Siemens Healthineers and NUH Launch Research on Liver Disease Diagnostics

Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) of Singapore have initiated a strategic research partnership aimed at enhancing diagnostic methods for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This condition currently impacts nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, surpassing the global prevalence rate of 30.05%. MASLD, previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, a trend that highlights the urgent need for more effective and patient-friendly liver care solutions.

The collaboration will be spearheaded by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, a Senior Consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NUH, as well as an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Recognized globally for his expertise in hepatology, Associate Professor Young’s contributions to liver disease research are significant, providing a strong foundation for this initiative.

Innovative Ultrasound Technologies to Transform Liver Diagnostics

The research will focus on evaluating Siemens Healthineers’ advanced ultrasound technologies: Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These innovative tools allow healthcare providers to measure liver fat and stiffness non-invasively during a single session, presenting a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional MRI scans and invasive biopsies. Early detection and precise monitoring facilitated by these technologies could significantly transform the liver care landscape in the region.

Vy Tran, President of Siemens Healthineers Asia-Pacific Japan, expressed enthusiasm for the 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.” She emphasized the goal of making these ultrasound solutions accessible not only in tertiary healthcare facilities but also at polyclinics. This accessibility aims to promote earlier detection, improved monitoring, and timely interventions for patients in need.

The partnership is particularly relevant given the rising incidence of MASLD in Singapore, which is attributed to increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and related metabolic disorders. “This collaboration represents an important step forward in addressing MASLD, which is fast emerging as a major health burden in Singapore,” stated Associate Professor Young. He highlighted NUH’s dual commitment to clinical excellence and research innovation as key to pioneering new strategies for the detection, treatment, and prevention of liver disease.

Enhancing Patient Care Through Research and Innovation

This initiative aligns with the upcoming National University Centre for Digestive Health, set to open in January 2026. The centre aims to improve patient access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and enhance overall liver care. Chaitanya Mehrotra, Head of Ultrasound for Asia Pacific at Siemens Healthineers, remarked, “With nearly 40% of adults in Singapore affected, fatty liver disease is a silent epidemic we can no longer ignore. 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 between Siemens Healthineers and NUH combines clinical expertise with technological advancements to drive healthcare innovation. The collaboration aims to deliver improved patient outcomes and broaden the accessibility of essential diagnostic services.

Siemens Healthineers operates globally, providing healthcare equipment and solutions in more than 180 countries. The company generated approximately €22.4 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare access, especially for underserved communities, the organization is at the forefront of tackling significant health challenges worldwide.

The National University Hospital, Singapore’s leading university hospital, has a rich history dating back to 1905 and is recognized for its excellence in medical education and patient care. With over 1,200 beds and more than 50 medical specialties, NUH serves more than one million patients annually, solidifying its role as a pivotal institution in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.

For more information, visit the Siemens Healthineers press room or the National University Hospital’s official website.