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After a month of major Fatty Liver medical meetings, Jörn Schattenberg, Louise Campbell and Roger Green explore emerging stories that will shape the next 6-12 months in Fatty Liver disease. In this final conversation, the group discusses the importance of combination NIT biomarkers in developing a viable system for treating patients. The key is that NITs provide a viable strategy for widespread patient screening and staging, whereas biopsy does not.

Roger also asks about several other issues that will come to the fore in the next year. The first item is the Nomenclature conference. Jörn describes it as a moving target with a clear split between the hemispheres. Asia is moving toward a concept more like metabolic-associated disease, however, Europe and North America are not. He notes that an ongoing process of consensus leaves him hopeful. Roger suggests that redefining the disease itself might lead regulators to disregard the vast amounts of research accomplished. Unfortunately, this has the potential to set the field back several years. Jörn agrees that it is imperative that any solutions do not push back drug or diagnostic approvals. The existing data and procedures around patient enrolment in trials remain clear.

The final question returns to the issue of what changes might take place over the next year. Each answer differs and continues themes found in the earlier conversations. Surf on for the group’s predictions.