Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a silent liver disease, of which progression to advanced disease stages including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis often goes unnoticed. As fibrosis is the primary determinant of morbidity and mortality, there is a sore need for a sensitive, non-invasive fibrosis marker. We recently discovered a non-invasive glycomic assay that detects fibrotic MASH from a droplet of blood. Our technology detects fibrosis immediately when histological signs appear and has the potential to replace liver biopsy for detection and staging of MASH fibrosis.

Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated-SteatoHepatitis (MASH) is a major health burden and emerging pharmaceutical market, as besides liver transplantation no effective treatment exists. Using a published chemical probe we have introduced a novel concept for treatment of MASH by inhibiting the enzyme dehydrocholesterol-reductase 24 (DHCR24). We have established effectivity of our concept in a translational MASH model. To generate commercially attractive IP we will test novel, patent protected DHCR24 inhibitors, derived from our lead compound using our MASH model. The most effective small molecule(s) will form the basis for establishing a start-up dedicated to the clinical development of an orally available treatment of MASH.

Glycoscience covers a broad range of scientific disciplines, including amongst analytical chemistry, chemical biology, cell biology and immunology. Since the interaction of experts from all glycobiology fields is instrumental for future discoveries, we have set up an annual meeting series called Glycoscience NL to stimulate interactions and showcase the diversity within the Dutch glycoscience domain.

Lipids and lipid metabolic pathways have taken center stage as possible therapeutic targets in several neurodegenerative disease as for example Alzheimers disease, Multiple Sclerosis or ALS. At this international meeting , scientists will discuss the current stage and future developments in the field of "lipids in brain disease" with a specific focus on technologies and patho-physiological mechanisms.