Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, is a progressive liver disease caused by excess fat, inflammation and cellular damage in the liver. It was previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, and forms part of the broader category of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
MASH can progress from inflammation to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. The disease often develops without clear symptoms, which means significant damage may occur before diagnosis. This creates a need for earlier detection, better disease monitoring and treatments that can address the biological processes driving liver deterioration.
The condition is closely associated with metabolic risk factors, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood pressure. However, it can also affect people who are not overweight. Its causes and progression therefore extend beyond any single risk factor and involve a broader breakdown in metabolic and cellular health.
Genflow Biosciences is developing gene therapies aimed at the biological mechanisms of ageing. Its research is centred on variants of the SIRT6 gene, which is associated with the regulation of cellular repair, metabolism, inflammation and genomic stability.
MASH’s progression involves chronic inflammation, tissue damage and fibrosis, all of which are connected to declining cellular function.
Genflow’s SIRT6-based approach can influence the underlying processes that contribute to liver damage. A therapy capable of improving cellular resilience, regulating inflammation or supporting metabolic function could have applications across several age-related conditions. MASH provides a defined disease setting in which these mechanisms can be studied.
Genflow Biosciences plc (LON:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF, FRA:WQ5) is a UK-based biotech firm with R&D facilities in Belgium focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches that potentially halt or slow the aging process in humans and dogs supporting longer, healthier lives
