The wider community of liver stakeholders witnessed an exciting July as new compelling data and presentations were revealed across two major meetings, EASL Congress and the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. Throughout that month, SurfingNASH provided real-time coverage and review of the emerging stories spanning topics like drug development, new nomenclature, omics and AI, NITs and more.
For this episode the trio of co-hosts, Jörn Schattenberg, Louise Campbell and Roger Green, embark on their first exclusive discussion together in a while without any guest panelists. The overarching theme of the program observes what has made 2023 interesting and exciting thus far before offering a look into what the audience can expect to learn more about in the imminent months.
This conversation focuses significant attention on issues related to the change in nomenclature that was rolled out in final form at the recent EASL Congress in June. It starts with Roger sharing an item from a recent news story about Madrigal Pharmaceuticals deciding not to engage in the nomenclature change until regulatory agencies ruled on it – a logical step given where resmetirom stands in the approval process. Roger comments that while the name change is necessary, there are some challenges in terms of communicating the disease. Louise notes how important communicating disease properly is in educating patients and expresses concern that professionals might not communicate the disease (or communicate it properly) if there is confusion around nomenclature as there currently appears to be. Jörn asserts that we’re not confused about the disease that patients have, but only how to describe it. Roger suggests that while he is not concerned about hepatologists communicating new nomenclature, he does have concerns around the ease and clarity by which primary care and nursing professionals who populate the frontline will be prepared to deliver this new information. Jörn and Louise agree with this take and Jörn states that we need to shift focus towards looking at how to educate the frontline treat categories if we are to succeed with this nomenclature and the work that needs to be done for this disease.
Reviewing this episode and the various conversations is a strong reminder of how much information has already become available this year and what it portends in terms of future episodes and an ever-increasing explosion of new information about liver disease, drugs, testing, and so much more. If you have questions or comments around the EASL Congress or ADA meetings, the discussed therapeutics, new nomenclature, or any other topic addressed in this episode, we kindly ask that you submit reviews wherever you download the discourse. Alternatively, you can write to us directly at questions@SurfingNASH.com.
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