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In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, turn their attention to metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), conditions that now dominate hepatology clinics but continue to pose major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. As new drugs enter the clinic and others advance through the pipeline, the hosts explore what meaningful progress looks like in a disease space defined by heterogeneity, comorbidities, and ongoing uncertainty around long-term outcomes. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Intro + global MASLD burden and mortality; who progresses to severe liver disease.0:03:00 – Very low disease awareness; advanced MASLD often missed.0:06:32 – Weak FIB‑4–based referral patterns; need automated pathways.0:10:54 – Alcohol underreporting; role of PEth in honest discussions.0:15:18 – “Modest” alcohol still harmful in MASLD; no truly safe level.0:19:40 – Semaglutide/GLP‑1 benefits on liver outcomes beyond weight loss.0:23:22 – FGF‑21 agents improving portal hypertension in advanced disease.0:24:03 – Carvedilol less effective for variceal bleed prevention in MASLD.0:28:45 – Closing remarks; call for better disease control and systems of care.

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, tackle a paradox that continues to define viral hepatitis care: despite curative therapies for hepatitis C and highly effective suppression for hepatitis B, global and domestic elimination goals remain out of reach. The conversation reframes viral hepatitis not as a “finished” chapter in hepatology, but as an ongoing public health challenge shaped by missed screening, gaps in linkage to care, and uneven adoption of evidence-based interventions. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Hepatitis elimination gaps; dialysis-unit success; primary-care screening barriers.0:04:30 – Statins in HBV/HCV: reduced HCC/decompensation; safety in compensated disease.0:08:41 – GLP‑1 agonists: improved liver outcomes and cancer/cardiometabolic profile; safety concerns addressed.0:13:21 – HBV functional cure and Bepi: niche role, durability, small but meaningful responder group.0:19:28 – HBV/HDV: disease severity; new mAb + siRNA regimen; comparison with existing options; access issues.0:23:28 – Bulevirtide durability data; real‑world compassionate-use case with recompensation and early HCC.

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Kimberly Brown, MD, and Nancy Reau, MD, break down new research on liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the ongoing evolution of surveillance strategies in chronic liver disease. Drawing on their extensive experience as transplant hepatologists, Brown and Reau place new data into practical context, highlighting where evidence may meaningfully inform practice and where unanswered questions remain. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Introduction0:00:19 – Frailty & Transplant Evaluation0:02:54 – How Centers Use Frailty Measures0:04:37 – Practicalities of the Six‑Minute Walk0:06:10 – MELD 3.0 and Sex/Size Disparities0:08:42 – Exception Points & Size Constraints0:10:05 – Need for a Dynamic MELD System0:10:19 – Immunotherapy as Bridge/Downstaging for HCC0:13:34 – Real‑World Use of IO Around Transplant0:15:22 – Managing Rejection Risk0:19:03 – MASLD Population & Surveillance Gaps0:20:21 – Adherence to HCC Surveillance0:22:42 – Practical Barriers: AFP, Ultrasound, Radiology Reports0:24:02 – Shift Toward Blood-Based Surveillance0:26:01 – How AFP-L3 and DCP Are Used in Practice0:27:39 – Rising AFP, Imaging Strategy & Broader Trend to Blood Tests0:28:27 – Guidelines vs Real-World Practice0:29:37 – Closing Thoughts on Guidelines & Early Detection

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Kimberly Brown, MD, and Nancy Reau, MD, break down several of the most consequential hepatology developments of 2025, focusing on practical advances in the management of patients with advanced liver disease. From renal protection in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) cirrhosis to long-debated questions around albumin dosing and emerging tools for monitoring hepatic encephalopathy at home, the discussion centers on how new data may begin to shift everyday clinical decision-making. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Dapagliflozin in MASLD cirrhosis with ascites0:04:41 – Clinical perspective on dapagliflozin & management strategy0:06:37 – Albumin for hyponatremia in cirrhosis0:12:28 – How clinicians currently use albumin in practice0:18:43 – Low‑dose vs conventional‑dose albumin in high‑risk SBP 0:25:03 – Beacon device: at‑home critical flicker frequency for HE0:27:47 – Future of at‑home HE monitoring & closing remarks

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates & Unfiltered Insights, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kim Brown, MD, take on a recent consequential and controversial public health decision: the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) vote to remove the universal birth-dose hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for infants born to mothers who test negative for HBV. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Introduction and initial reactions0:01:40 – Hep B as an anti‑cancer vaccine & global perspective0:03:59 – Transmission, testing gaps, and implementation problems0:07:48 – Infant risk, carrier status, and long‑term protection0:10:14 – Broader health and oncology implications0:11:48 – Personal stance and closing thoughts

In this special edition episode of Liver Lineup, recorded as part of HCPLive's This Year in Medicine series, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, break down the most consequential updates of the year across primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), highlighting data that may reshape both near-term management and longer-term treatment strategies. Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Intro0:00:40 – Underuse of second‑line therapy in PBC0:03:40 – Long‑term data on PPAR agonists (elafibranor, seladelpar) in PBC0:09:35 – PSC: elafibranor (Elmwood trial) and CCL24 mAb (nabokitug)0:15:56 – Cholestasis symptoms: fatigue and pruritus and PPAR impact0:20:20 – Autoimmune hepatitis: limitations of current therapy; new agent 

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, are joined by guest Jessica Mellinger, MD, to discuss rising prevalence, new care models, and evolving concepts in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Introduction0:00:30 – Prevalence of alcohol use & ALD under-recognition0:04:22 – Origin and design of the integrated ALD clinic0:06:50 – Expansion and outcomes of integrated care0:10:33 – Workforce and access challenges0:12:21 – Metabolic ALD (MetALD) concept0:15:18 – GLP‑1 agonists for metabolic disease & AUD0:19:09 – “Food noise,” food addiction, and ultra‑processed foods0:22:38 – Liver transplantation in ALD & Dallas criteria0:27:27 – Outcomes after relapse & closing

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates & Unfiltered Insights, host Nancy Reau, MD, sits down with Kris Kowdley, MD, to discuss evolving approaches in cholestatic liver disease, with a particular focus on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Guest intro & evolution of PBC therapy0:07:34 – Redefining biochemical response & earlier assessment0:16:26 – OCA withdrawal & positioning PPARs/fibrates0:22:16 – Diagnosing AMA‑negative PBC0:25:58 – Genetic cholestasis panels & PFIC spectrum0:29:45 – Symptom burden, pruritus, & IBAT inhibitors0:35:17 – Bone health & closing remarks

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, sit down with Mary (Maru) Rinella, MD, a professor of medicine and director of Clinical Trials and the Metabolic and Fatty Liver Program at the University of Chicago, to discuss the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Key Episode Timestamps:0:00:00 – Introduction & guest bio0:01:02 – Current therapy landscape & GLP‑1 overview0:03:51 – Do GLP‑1s help non–weight losers?0:05:21 – Combining GLP‑1s and resmetirom0:07:23 – Pipeline GLP‑1 combinations & phase 2 data0:09:26 – Advanced disease, sarcopenia & risk–benefit in cirrhosis0:13:29 – Introduction to FGF‑21 agonists0:14:04 – Symmetry (efruxifermin) trial & reading the data0:17:51 – Endpoints, “lack of progression,” and FDA hurdles0:19:41 – Need for non‑invasive surrogates0:21:02 – FGF‑21 mechanism & other liver diseases0:22:57 – Alcohol intake, GLP‑1s, FGF‑21 & MetALD0:25:49 – 10‑year outlook & future toolbox0:27:35 – Closing

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you! Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? Check out the HCPFive! Top 5 Healthcare Headlines for January 18-24, 2025:1. Phase 2 Data Show NS002 Intranasal Epinephrine Acts Faster Than EpiPenInterim phase 2 data suggest NS002 intranasal epinephrine may provide more rapid systemic exposure than intramuscular autoinjectors, supporting its potential as a needle-free option for anaphylaxis management. 2. AHA 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: Progress and Pitfalls, With Latha Palaniappan, MD, MSThe AHA’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics highlight persistent gaps in cardiovascular prevention and outcomes despite advances in treatment, with continued emphasis on heart disease and stroke as leading causes of mortality in the US. 3. New CHEST Recommendations Guide Biologic Use for Severe AsthmaCHEST released updated guidance to help clinicians individualize biologic selection for severe asthma based on patient characteristics, disease phenotype, and available evidence. 4. Topical Steroid Concerns in Dermatology Highlighted in Nationwide SurveyA nationwide survey underscores widespread patient and caregiver concerns about long-term topical steroid use in chronic inflammatory skin diseases and a perception that current management strategies are largely reactive rather than preventive. 5. Amlitelimab Effective, Safe for Atopic Dermatitis in Patients 12 Years and OlderPhase 3 data show amlitelimab was effective and well tolerated in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, supporting its role as a targeted, non–T-cell-depleting biologic option.

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you! Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? Check out the HCPFive! Top 5 Healthcare Headlines for January 11-17, 2025:1. FDA Clears MiniMed Go Smart MDI App for Adults and Children with T1D, T2DThe FDA cleared Medtronic’s MiniMed Go Smart MDI app for pediatric and adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, enabling integrated smart pen and sensor–based decision support to improve insulin dosing with multiple daily injections. 2. FDA Approves ProlivRx, First At-Home Neuromodulation Device for MDDThe FDA approved ProlivRx as the first at-home, physician-directed neuromodulation therapy for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to antidepressant treatment. 3. FDA Requests Removal of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Warning From GLP-1 RA TherapiesThe FDA requested removal of suicidal ideation and behavior warnings from GLP-1 receptor agonist labels after determining there is no increased risk associated with these therapies. 4. FDA Extends Sparsentan (Filspari) sNDA Review for Focal Segmental GlomerulosclerosisThe FDA extended the review timeline for sparsentan’s supplemental NDA in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, delaying the PDUFA decision without requesting additional safety or manufacturing data. 5. FDA Approves New Narcan Packaging, Aiming to Boost Carry RatesThe FDA approved new, more portable packaging for over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray to improve usability, reduce stigma, and increase the likelihood that naloxone is carried and available during overdose emergencies.

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you! Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? Check out the HCPFive! Top 5 Healthcare Headlines for January 3-10, 2025:Here are one-sentence, clinician-focused summaries with titles restated and no statistics included: 1. FDA Approves Caplacizumab-yhdp (Cablivi) as First Pediatric aTTP TherapyThe FDA approved caplacizumab for adolescents with aTTP, making it the first therapy specifically indicated for pediatric patients with this condition. 2. Pemvidutide Gets Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASHThe FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to pemvidutide for MASH, supporting its accelerated development based on promising mid-stage clinical data and alignment on a registrational phase 3 program. 3. FDA Grants Priority Review Of Biologics License Application For Atacicept In IgA NephropathyThe FDA granted Priority Review to the BLA for atacicept, advancing a potential new biologic therapy for adults with IgA nephropathy. 4. FDA Approves 2-Gram Presentation of Fibryga for Acquired Fibrinogen DeficiencyThe FDA approved a higher-dose presentation of Fibryga, expanding dosing flexibility for fibrinogen replacement in patients with acquired fibrinogen deficiency. 5. FDA Accepts for Priority Review sBLA for Teplizumab for Children With Stage 2 T1DThe FDA accepted a Priority Review sBLA for teplizumab to expand its use to younger children in order to delay progression to clinical type 1 diabetes.