Washington DC, June 12, 2019 – The Forum for Collaborative Research announced its recognition of International NASH Day (IND). Over 30 organizations are coming together today to raise awareness for NASH and promote early intervention of this disease, which affects more than 115 million people worldwide.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The disease's symptoms are not overt and it currently requires invasive biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. Global prevalence has been estimated at 25% and 3-5% for NAFLD and NASH, respectively [1], and NASH is expected to become the leading indication for liver transplant in the United States between 2020 and 2025 [2].

"We are pleased to be joining together with many other groups around the world to help raise awareness for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to collectively address this silent epidemic which affects millions worldwide," says Donna R. Cryer, JD, CEO of the Global Liver Institute and a member of the Liver Forum Steering Committee. "Our aspiration is that NAFLD and NASH be included in healthcare conversations whenever obesity and diabetes are mentioned so early intervention is addressed."

The purpose of IND is to shine a spotlight on NASH and increase awareness among various populations: the general public, at-risk patients, the medical community, public health authorities, and the media. Global activities include events, briefings, media outreach and social media promotion and engagement.

"The Forum for Collaborative Research launched the Liver Forum in 2014 as a multi-stakeholder initiative to specifically address regulatory hurdles and to advance drug development for the treatment of NASH," said Veronica Miller, PhD, Executive Director of the Forum for Collaborative Research. "International NASH day is an excellent opportunity to draw more focus to this growing health challenge and we look forward to participating in today's events."

For more information on International NASH Day go to www.international-nash-day.com/

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About the Forum for Collaborative Research
Founded in 1997, The Forum for Collaborative Research at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health is a public/private partnership with a mission to catalyze clinical development and improve global health by facilitating research, informing policy, and advancing regulatory science. The Forum's three-pronged approach (practice, research, education) accelerates safe drug development by increasing clarity, cooperation and innovation, while maintaining standards of evidence. Forum members work in clinical practice, research, academia, industry, regulatory authorities, and patient advocacy. Using proven models for stakeholder engagement they enhance clinical trial efficiency, support fair participation, and expand access programs. Current projects focus on cytomegalovirus (CMV), viral hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/ nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and rare diseases.

Media Contact
Vincent Keane, Communications Management
The Forum for Collaborative Research
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References
1. Younossi ZM. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – A global public health perspective. Journal of Hepatology. 2019;70(3):531-544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2018.10.033
2. Charlton MR, et al. Frequency and outcomes of liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the United States. Gastroenterology. 2011;141(4):1249-1253. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2011.06.061