Singapore Leads teh charge against Rising Liver Disease with Landmark Siemens Healthineers & NUH Collaboration
Singapore, October 6, 2025 – In a proactive move to address a growing health crisis, Siemens Healthineers and the National university Hospital (NUH) Singapore have announced a groundbreaking research collaboration focused on advancing diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This partnership arrives at a critical juncture, as MASLD - formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – now represents the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease globally, and its incidence in Singapore (affecting nearly 40% of adults) substantially surpasses the worldwide average of 30%.
The escalating rates of MASLD in singapore are directly linked to increasing obesity rates, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and the broader rise of metabolic syndrome. This collaboration underscores a vital need for more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric liver care strategies.This isn’t simply about treating a disease; it’s about addressing a systemic health challenge impacting a meaningful portion of the population.
A Leading Expert at the Helm
Spearheading this crucial initiative is Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, a highly respected Senior Consultant at NUH’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Professor Dan’s extensive contributions to liver disease research have established international benchmarks, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise and a globally informed perspective to the project. His leadership ensures the research will be grounded in both cutting-edge science and practical patient needs.
Revolutionizing Diagnosis with Advanced Ultrasound Technology
The core of the collaboration lies in evaluating the potential of Siemens Healthineers’ innovative ultrasound technologies: Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). Thes non-invasive techniques offer a significant advantage over traditional diagnostic methods like MRI and liver biopsy.
Here’s how they’re poised to change the landscape of liver care:
* Non-Invasive Assessment: UDFF and Auto pSWE allow physicians to accurately measure liver fat and stiffness in a single session, eliminating the risks and discomfort associated with biopsies.
* Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to MRI, ultrasound is a significantly more affordable imaging modality, making regular screening and monitoring accessible to a wider patient base.
* Early detection & Timely Intervention: The ability to detect subtle changes in liver health early on enables prompt intervention, potentially preventing the progression to more severe conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
* streamlined Workflow: Combining fat fraction and stiffness measurements in one session optimizes clinical workflow and reduces patient wait times.
“our partnership with NUH is driven by a shared vision to explore how advanced ultrasound can provide affordable and accessible alternatives to more invasive or costly imaging techniques,” explains Vy Tran, President for Asia-Pacific Japan at Siemens Healthineers. “By making these technologies readily available in both hospital and polyclinic settings,we aim to facilitate earlier diagnosis and ultimately improve patient outcomes across the Asia Pacific region.”
A Collaborative Approach to a Growing Health Concern
Associate Professor Dan Yock Young emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in tackling MASLD,stating,”This marks a pivotal step in confronting a major health concern in Singapore. NUH’s established expertise in liver and metabolic health, coupled with our robust research infrastructure and Siemens Healthineers’ groundbreaking technology, uniquely positions us to develop innovative strategies for the detection, treatment, and prevention of this disease.”
the research will be conducted within the state-of-the-art National University Center for Digestive Health, slated to open in January 2026. This new facility will significantly expand patient access to advanced diagnostic capabilities, further solidifying Singapore’s position as a regional leader in digestive health.
Chaitanya Mehrotra, Head of ultrasound for Asia pacific at Siemens Healthineers, adds, “This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to combating fatty liver disease. We are bringing ultrasound innovation to the forefront of care,empowering physicians with superior tools and offering patients renewed hope for a healthier future.”
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Model for Liver Health
This collaboration between NUH and Siemens Healthineers represents more than just a research project; it’s a blueprint for sustainable healthcare innovation. By synergizing clinical expertise with technological advancements, this partnership aims to not only improve patient outcomes but also to establish a scalable and cost-effective model for managing MASLD – a model that can be replicated across the Asia pacific region and beyond.
Tags: featured, health, National University hospital, research collaboration, Siemens Healthineers, MASLD
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