PARIS, June 10, 2025 — With metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) becoming a significant and underdiagnosed cause of liver failure, affecting over 250 million people globally, Echosens, a leader in non-invasive liver diagnostics, and Boehringer Ingelheim, a global biopharmaceutical company, have announced an expansion of their long-term collaboration. This expansion aims to shift the focus from clinical trials to early detection, diagnosis, and improved access to care, with the goal of altering the course of the disease.
By combining their expertise in diagnostics and therapeutics, Echosens and Boehringer Ingelheim intend to address existing gaps in awareness, real-world data, and clinical application. This next phase of their partnership will focus on:
- Increasing MASH awareness among patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the critical need for early screening and diagnosis.
- Promoting the use of streamlined care pathways by encouraging collaboration among healthcare organizations and across different medical specialties.
- Enhancing awareness and accessibility of non-invasive technologies (NITs), including scientific collaborations to produce evidence related to the use of NITs in managing individuals with MASH.
“For too long, serious liver conditions such as MASH have been overlooked. However, with MASH rates rising in parallel with the global obesity epidemic, it’s crucial to address liver disease directly,” stated Sandy Sommer, Head of the Therapeutic Area for Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Obesity and MASH are closely linked chronic conditions that require a collaborative approach. Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to contributing to the solution, and we are particularly enthusiastic about expanding our partnership with Echosens. We anticipate working together to bring about significant changes in metabolic health for patients, physicians, and healthcare systems worldwide.”
MASH is a chronic condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. It is more prevalent among individuals with obesity and, if left untreated, can progress to scarring, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Due to the disease often being asymptomatic in its early stages, it is estimated that less than 20% of those with MASH are formally diagnosed, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and non-invasive tools to screen these patients and provide ongoing support.
FibroScan®, Echosens’ non-invasive liver assessment technology, has been essential in Boehringer Ingelheim’s liver disease research and continues to support two ongoing Survodutide Phase III trials by screening and monitoring patients. As a non-invasive test, FibroScan® provides a quick, painless, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to liver biopsy. Survodutide combines GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonists as a potential novel treatment for MASH and related metabolic disorders such as obesity.
Survodutide is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s research and development efforts in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. Boehringer Ingelheim licenses Survodutide from Zealand Pharma and is solely responsible for its global development and commercialization.
“We are thrilled to broaden our collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, whose innovative strategy could further advance the treatment options for MASH,” said Dominique Legros, CEO of Echosens. “This partnership underscores our continuous commitment to supporting the global liver disease community by facilitating more effective clinical trials and increasing access to non-invasive diagnostic tools. We are proud to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim and welcome them to our shared goal of improving liver health outcomes.”
About Echosens
As a pioneer in its sector, Echosens has revolutionized liver assessment with FibroScan®, a non-invasive solution for comprehensive liver health management. FibroScan® is globally recognized and validated by over 5,384 peer-reviewed publications and 218 international guidelines. Echosens has made FibroScan® available in more than 127 countries, enabling millions of liver examinations worldwide.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company involved in both human and animal health. As a major investor in Research and Development, the company is dedicated to creating innovative therapies for areas with significant unmet medical needs. Operating independently since its establishment in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim adopts a long-term perspective, integrating sustainability throughout its value chain. With over 54,500 employees serving more than 130 markets, the company aims to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future.
SOURCE Echosens
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