Siemens Healthineers and NUH Partner to Revolutionize Liver Diagnostics

Siemens Healthineers has entered a strategic research collaboration with the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore to enhance diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This liver disease currently affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, surpassing the global prevalence rate of 30.05%. MASLD, which was previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.

The increasing rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles in Singapore contribute significantly to this health challenge, underscoring the urgent need for more efficient and patient-friendly approaches to liver care. The research initiative will be led by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, a Senior Consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NUH and an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. His extensive experience and contributions to liver disease research position him as a key figure in this collaborative effort.

The focus of this study will be on evaluating Siemens Healthineers’ advanced ultrasound technologies, including Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These innovative tools allow healthcare professionals to measure both liver fat and stiffness non-invasively, providing safer alternatives to MRI scans and invasive biopsies. Such technology could lead to earlier detection, improved monitoring, and timely interventions, ultimately changing the landscape of liver care throughout the region.

Vy Tran, President of Asia-Pacific Japan at Siemens Healthineers, emphasized the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “Together with NUH, led by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, we will study how advanced ultrasound technologies can transform liver care by offering a cost-effective alternative to invasive biopsy or high-cost imaging.” He added that making these technologies accessible not only in tertiary hospitals but also in polyclinics could significantly enhance liver disease management.

The collaborative effort is part of the upcoming National University Centre for Digestive Health, set to open in January 2026. This centre aims to improve patient access to state-of-the-art diagnostic innovations. Chaitanya Mehrotra, Head of Ultrasound for Asia Pacific at Siemens Healthineers, remarked on the importance of addressing MASLD, referring to it as “a silent epidemic we can no longer ignore.” He further stated, “By bringing ultrasound innovation to the frontlines of care, we can empower physicians with better tools and offer patients not just accurate diagnostics, but hope for a healthier future.”

This partnership not only leverages the clinical expertise of NUH but also Siemens Healthineers’ technological innovations to drive advancements in healthcare. By pioneering breakthroughs in liver diagnostics, the collaboration seeks to deliver excellence in patient care and improve outcomes for liver disease patients across the Asia Pacific region.

Siemens Healthineers, with a global presence in over 180 countries, generated approximately €22.4 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The company is dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and addressing critical health challenges worldwide through advanced medical technology.

As Singapore faces increasing health burdens from liver diseases, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving patient care and redefining the future of liver diagnostics. The integration of advanced ultrasound technologies into clinical practice holds promise for significant advancements in the detection, treatment, and prevention of MASLD, ultimately benefiting countless patients in Singapore and beyond.