MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Three billion euros: this is the projection of the economic impact from MASH (Steatoepatite Associated with Metabolic Disorder) in Italy by 2040. A serious and progressive chronic hepatic pathology that already represents the second cause of liver transplantation in the country, but which remains little known and often underestimated.
To raise awareness about this issue and to focus on the economic, clinical and social impact of the disease, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Italy – a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for MASH – promoted the media tutorial “MASH: know how to act in Milan. The role of correct diagnosis in a silent and underrated liver disease.”
The meeting allowed us to address the theme from many perspectives: from the nosological framework to the evolution of research, from the analysis of advanced stages with its economic and social impacts, to the voice of patients and their needs still unsatisfied.
Silent pathology with serious consequences MASH is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver associated with inflammation and cell damage. If not properly diagnosed and treated, pathology can progress in major hepatics, such as cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocarcinoma, positioning itself as the second cause of liver transplantation in Italy.
According to a recent study conducted by the Italian Association for the Study of Fegate (AISF), while representing a limited part of the population affected by MASH, the 5,000 patients in the stadium from moderate to advanced fibrosis (of which 2,000 in advanced fibrotic stage) constitute the highest risk segment of rapid progression. “The MASH represents a silent health challenge that progresses through stages of increasing gravity but which is asymptomatic in its initial and moderate phases,” said Luca Miele, Researcher of Internal Medicine at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and Clinical UOS Director of the Pre-transplantation of Fegato and Steatosis Ambulatory of the Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. “The weight on the National Health System grows exponentially as the disease progresses. To stop this spiral, the key is the early diagnosis of advanced fibrosis, true discriminating prognostic, with hepatologist as a central figure in a multidisciplinary path capable of involving physicians of general medicine and specialists.”
The numbers confirm the urgency of the operation. Patients with advanced fibrosis have on average only 2-3 years before developing cirrhosis, and the risk of adverse liver events increases by 10-17 times compared to subjects without fibrosis.
MASH imposes significant health and economic burdens on both citizens and health systems, with costs growing proportionally to the progression of fibrosis. In 2021, the economic impact of pathology in Italy was quantified in 1.3 billion euros, with growth projections up to 3 billion euros by 2040. 4 The comparison was then focused on the advanced stages of the disease, while exploring at the same time the features of Non-Invasive Tests (NITs) and the most effective diagnostic paths for the identification and takeover of specialists.
“The MASH is a complex and systemic disease. Early identification of patients with advanced fibrosis and early intervention is essential to avoid the aggravation of pathology and its most severe complications” commented Salvatore Petta, Professor of Gastroenterology of the University of Palermo – AOUP “Paolo Giaccone. “To achieve this, targeted screening is needed, access to centres of excellence and multidisciplinary teams, conditions which, unfortunately, are not yet optimal in Italy.”
Ample space has been dedicated to the perspective of patients, their needs and the psychological impact of malactia, also highlighting the lack of awareness of the severity of pathology and the consequences of a timely failure.
“This pathology is still too often underestimated by patients in its implications that, in the absence of adequate treatment, may have serious consequences on the well-being of the person,” added Massimiliano Conforti, President of EpaC – ETS. “This is why we consider fundamental moments of dialogue and confrontation, indispensable to increase awareness of the population. To these must be accompanied by the recognition of pathology as a public health priority and its inclusion in the Essential Levels of Assistance, so as to ensure the protection of all patients and access to really effective care paths”.
The media tutorial, organized by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Italy – biopharmaceutical focused on the development of innovative therapies for the Steatoepatitis Associated with Metabolic Disorder (MASH) – highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in pathology management; from recognition as health priority to the construction of structured diagnostic-therapeutic paths, to early identification of risk patients.
“As Madrigal Pharmaceuticals we are committed to researching innovative therapeutic solutions for MASH, with the aim of intervention before irreversible complications develop,” said Bernard Kilbaine, VP & General Manager Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Italy. “Only through an integrated approach between scientific communities, institutions, patient associations and industry, we can face this silent emergency.”.
– photo f50/Italpress –
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