Scientific Program
The Evolving Landscape of MAFLD: Definitions, Epidemiology, and the Asia-Pacific Burden
Topic 1
From NAFLD to MAFLD to MASLD: Evolution of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria — What Clinicians Need to Know
Topic 2
Global and Asia-Pacific Epidemiology of MAFLD: The Rising Tsunami in South Asia and Beyond
Topic 3
MAFLD in Lean Individuals: Unique Phenotype, Metabolic Dysregulation, and Clinical Implications in Asian Populations
Pathogenesis of MAFLD: From Metabolic Drivers to Molecular Targets
Topic 1
Insulin Resistance, Lipotoxicity, and the "Multiple-Hit" Hypothesis: Unraveling the Pathogenic Cascade in MAFLD
Topic 2
Genetics and Epigenetics of MAFLD: PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B13, and Emerging Polygenic Risk Scores
Topic 3
The Gut-Liver Axis in MAFLD: Microbiome Dysbiosis, Bacterial Translocation, and Therapeutic Implications
Non-Invasive Assessment and Risk Stratification: From Primary Care to Hepatology
Topic 1
FIB-4, ELF, and Agile 3+: Sequential Non-Invasive Testing Algorithms for Fibrosis Risk Stratification
Topic 2
Imaging Modalities in MAFLD: Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography, MRI-PDFF, and MR Elastography — When and How to Use Them
Topic 3
Emerging Biomarkers and AI-Integrated Multi-Omics Panels: The Future of Non-Invasive Diagnosis
Multidisciplinary Care Pathways & Evidence-Based Management
Topic 1
Building an Evidence-Based Management Protocol in MAFLD: Integrated Roles of Hepatologists, Endocrinologists, Cardiologists, and Primary Care Physicians
Topic 2
MAFLD and Type 2 Diabetes: Bidirectional Screening, Shared Pathophysiology, and Integrated Care Pathways
Topic 3
MAFLD in Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Managing Systemic Comorbidities Beyond the Liver
INAUGURAL CEREMONY
Official Opening Address & Event Keynotes
MOBIN KHAN GOLD MEDAL ORATION
"MAFLD in the Era of Precision Medicine: Charting the Course for Asia-Pacific"
HOT TOPIC DEBATE: "MAFLD vs MASLD — A Battle of Nomenclatures or a Paradigm Shift in Patient Care?"
Topic 1 — FOR MAFLD
The Case for Inclusion-Based, Positive Diagnosis — Why MAFLD Better Captures Dual Etiologies, Identifies Higher-Risk Patients, and Should Remain the Preferred Framework in Asia-Pacific
Topic 2 — FOR MASLD
The Case for Global Harmonization — Why MASLD Reduces Stigma, Introduces MetALD as a Distinct Entity, and Aligns with Regulatory and Clinical Trial Infrastructure
Topic 3 — MODERATED PANEL
Does the Name Change the Game? Impact on Clinical Trials, Drug Approvals, Insurance Coverage, Patient Outcomes, and the Unresolved Question of Alcohol-Metabolic Overlap
FDA-Approved Targeted Therapies for MASH: Resmetirom and Semaglutide
Topic 1
Resmetirom (THR-β Agonist): MAESTRO-NASH Trial Results, Patient Selection, and Monitoring Strategies
Topic 2
Semaglutide for MASH: The ESSENCE Trial, Cardiometabolic Benefits, and Practical Prescribing Considerations
Topic 3
Choosing Between Resmetirom and Semaglutide: Phenotype-Based Treatment Selection, Shared Decision-Making, and the Updated Global Consensus
Emerging Targeted Therapies & Dual Etiology Paradigms
Topic 1
Dual and Triple Incretin Agonists: Tirzepatide (SYNERGY-NASH), Survodutide, and Retatrutide Trial Data and Clinical Promise
Topic 2
Combination Therapy Strategies and the Rationale for Multi-Target Pharmacotherapy Approaches in MASH
Topic 3
Dual Etiology in MAFLD: The Complex Interplay and Clinical Interactions Between Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Alcohol consumption, and Metabolic Dysfunction
Advanced Spectrum: Cirrhosis, HCC, and Acute Decompensation
Topic 1
MAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Surveillance Strategies, Non-Cirrhotic HCC, and Treatment Considerations
Topic 2
ACLF (Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure) in MAFLD: Characterizing a Severe Disease Multiplier in Metabolic Synergies
Topic 3
Management of Portal Hypertension and Variceal Decompensation Risks in MASH Cirrhosis: Current Unmet Needs
PROFESSOR MOHAMED RELA SESSION: "Liver Transplantation in the Era of MAFLD — A Surgeon's Perspective"
Topic 1 — Keynote Lecture
Professor Mohamed Rela Keynote: The Changing Face of Liver Transplantation: MAFLD/MASH as the Fastest Growing Indication — Surgical Challenges, Recipient Optimization, and Outcomes From a High-Volume Asian Centre
Topic 2
Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the MAFLD Era: Donor Steatosis Evaluation, Obesity as a Barrier, Expanding the Donor Pool, and Lessons From the Indian LDLT Experience
Topic 3
Surgical Innovation in Steatotic Graft Management: Machine Perfusion, Defatting Strategies, Split-Liver Techniques, and the Future of Transplant Surgery for Metabolic Liver Disease
Pre- and Post-Liver Transplantation MAFLD: From Listing to Long-Term Graft Survival
Topic 1
Pre-Transplant Evaluation of the MASH Cirrhosis Candidate: Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Obesity Management, and Optimizing Metabolic Comorbidities Before Listing
Topic 2
Recurrent and De Novo MASLD/MASH After Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Accelerated Fibrosis Progression, Risk Factors, and Surveillance Strategies
Topic 3
Immunosuppression Tailoring in MASH Recipients: Steroid-Free Protocols, CNI Selection, MMF-Based Regimens, and Metabolic Syndrome Prevention Post-Transplant
Special & Vulnerable Populations, Bariatric Surgery, and Public Health
Topic 1
MAFLD in Children, Adolescents, and the Elderly: Screening, Diagnosis, and Age-Specific Management Challenges
Topic 2
MAFLD in Pregnancy: Maternal-Fetal Health Implications, Gestational Metabolic Stress, and Clinical Guidelines
Topic 3
Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery for MAFLD: Patient Selection, Histological Resolution, and Role in Pre- and Post-Transplant Settings
Topic 4
Precision Medicine, Health Economics, and Public Health Strategies for MAFLD in the Asia-Pacific Region
CONSENSUS & WAY FORWARD
Topic 1
Panel Discussion: Developing an Asia-Pacific Consensus on MAFLD Screening, Treatment, and Transplant Algorithms
Topic 2
Key Takeaways and Dhaka Declaration on MAFLD: Multidisciplinary Action Plan
Topic 3
Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks
