Siemens Healthineers and NUH Launch Research on Liver Disease

On October 8, 2025, Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore announced a significant research collaboration aimed at improving diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This condition affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, surpassing the global average of 30.05%. MASLD, previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is now recognized as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The high prevalence in Singapore reflects increasing rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient and patient-friendly liver care solutions.

The research initiative will be spearheaded 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. Renowned for his expertise in liver disease research, Professor Young brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to the collaboration.

This project will assess Siemens Healthineers’ advanced ultrasound technologies, including the Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These innovative tools allow healthcare professionals to non-invasively measure liver fat and stiffness in a single session, providing safer and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional MRI scans and invasive biopsies. Enhanced early detection and precise monitoring could revolutionize the liver care pathway across the Asia Pacific region.

Vy Tran, President for Asia-Pacific and Japan at Siemens Healthineers, emphasized the potential impact of this research, 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.” Tran expressed a vision of making these ultrasound technologies accessible not only in tertiary hospitals but also at polyclinics, aiming for earlier detection and timely interventions for those affected.

Professor Young noted the importance of this collaboration in addressing MASLD, describing it as an emerging health burden in Singapore. “At NUH, we combine deep clinical expertise in liver and metabolic health, backed by strong translational research. By working with partners such as Siemens Healthineers, we are well positioned to pioneer new approaches to detect, treat, and prevent the disease,” he stated.

The research initiative is part of the upcoming National University Centre for Digestive Health, set to open in January 2026. This center aims to enhance patient access to cutting-edge diagnostic innovations. As 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. This collaboration reflects our shared responsibility to change that story.”

By integrating ultrasound innovation into frontline care, the partnership seeks to empower physicians with improved diagnostic tools, ultimately offering patients not just accurate diagnostics but a pathway to healthier futures. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both Siemens Healthineers and NUH to advance healthcare accessibility and improve clinical outcomes in the region.

Siemens Healthineers is recognized as a global leader in healthcare technology, operating in more than 180 countries and generating approximately €22.4 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024. The National University Hospital, established in 1985, serves as Singapore’s leading university hospital, providing comprehensive care across over 50 medical specialties.

This partnership not only highlights the importance of innovative research in tackling prevalent health issues but also serves as a model for future collaborations aimed at improving patient care globally.