European Liver Patients' Association

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Bruxelles / Brussel
European Liver Patients' Association

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ELPA’s vision is that all liver patients are diagnosed in time, are treated with respect, and have equal access to the best standard of medical care.

The European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA emerged from a desire amongst European liver patient groups to share their experiences of the often very different approaches adopted in different countries. In June 2004, 13 patient groups from 10 European and Mediterranean Basin countries met to create the association. ELPA was formally launched in Paris on April 14th 2005 during the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and now has 23 members from 19 countries.

20/10/2026

| Connecting Science, Prevention and Patient Voices for Better Liver Health

From research to prevention. From policy to action. From a seat at the table to a meaningful patient voice.

At in Barcelona, the European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) proudly joined the scientific, medical and patient communities to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, explore new research and innovations, and bring renewed hope to people living with liver diseases..

, , , , viral and -related liver disease highlight the strong interconnections between liver health, gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, , conditions and health.

We need a more integrated, multidisciplinary and patient-centred approach to prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term care.

October, , this message becomes even more important: earlier detection, timely access to innovation and coordinated care can change patients’ lives.

At UEG Week, ELPA continued promoting the European Liver Screening Tour 2026, European Liver Screening Week and our vision of a European Liver Prevention Village — bringing prevention directly to communities and connecting scientific evidence, real-world screening, public awareness and European policymaking.

These initiatives contribute to the wider ambitions of the , Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, EU4Health and the European Health Union demonstrating why liver health must be part of integrated European prevention strategies.

The European Parliament's September 2026 resolution on cardiovascular diseases, recognising the importance of MASLD, reinforces the need to move from political commitments towards concrete investment in prevention and early detection.

But scientific progress must also reflect what truly matters to patients.

We warmly congratulate United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and all partners on the launch of the Patient Representatives Advisory Board ( ).

Meaningful patient involvement is not simply about offering patients a seat at the table. It is about ensuring their voices influence research priorities, clinical decisions and health policies.

Our discussions on ( ) highlighted the importance of bringing together patient, caregiver and healthcare professional perspectives to better understand quality of life, treatment burden, dignity and independence.

We do not need more questionnaires. We need better questions, asked earlier, with patients meaningfully involved.

UEG Week is more than a scientific congress. It is a meeting place for new evidence, innovative research, valuable partnerships and shared ambitions — where science creates opportunities and collaboration brings hope to patients

Thank you to , the scientific community, healthcare professionals, researchers, patient organisations and all partners UEG - United European Gastroenterology UEG - United European Gastroenterology fans

20/10/2026

Joining forces for alcohol harm prevention 🤝

Yesterday (October 19) at 2026, UEG and EASL presented the European Health Alliance on Alcohol (EHAA), with contributions from ESC, ESPGHAN, WHO Europe and ELPA.

This cross-specialty policy dialogue brought together experts in digestive, liver, paediatric and cardiovascular health, alongside policymakers and patient representatives, to discuss:

🔹 What works in alcohol harm prevention
🔹 Where implementation gaps remain
🔹 How stronger collaboration can support a more coherent European response

Alcohol harm affects many areas of health, so the response has to span many disciplines. Thank you to all partners and speakers for a valuable exchange.

WHO Regional Office for Europe EASL - The Home of Hepatology European Society of Cardiology Espghan Society European Liver Patients' Association

19/10/2026

ELPA at | Barcelona

An inspiring atmosphere of science, innovation, collaboration and meaningful patient engagement at UEG Week 2026!

The European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) proudly participated in important scientific and policy discussions, presenting patient-led initiatives, including the 1st ELPA European Liver Screening Tour 2026, bringing prevention, early detection and liver health awareness closer to communities across Europe.

UEG Week also provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing collaborations, initiate new partnerships and expand ELPA’s European and international networks through productive meetings, meaningful exchanges and new opportunities for joint initiatives connecting patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, industry and policymakers.**

We warmly congratulate United European Gastroenterology (UEG). the scientific community and all patient organisations on the launch of the Patient Representatives Advisory Board ( ). ELPA is proud to contribute to this three-year collaboration, strengthening meaningful in research, policy and care.

During the roundtable discussion on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures ( ), ELPA introduced an important perspective: treatment success cannot be measured through clinical outcomes alone.

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals may see different dimensions of the same disease journey. These perspectives must complement, never replace, the patient's own voice.

For researchers and industry, involving these perspectives earlier can improve clinical trial design, identify outcomes that truly matter and generate stronger evidence of treatment value, supporting better regulatory and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) decisions.

ELPA was also strongly represented in the scientific presentations and discussions through its Scientific Committee

From and to , viral and , patients need earlier diagnosis, meaningful innovation, equitable access to treatment and better quality of life.

ELPA also highlighted the importance of connecting scientific advances with practical prevention initiatives, community screening and integrated care, transforming scientific knowledge into real benefits for patients.

Our message is clear: We do not need more questionnaires or additional complexity. We need better questions, earlier patient involvement and a more complete understanding of what treatment success really means.

Thank you to UEG, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and the patient community for the excellent discussions, inspiring atmosphere and collaborative spirit.

From patient voice to meaningful evidence. From policy to action. From screening to better care.
fans UEG - United European Gastroenterology

19/10/2026

🏆 Celebrating Scientific Excellence at !

The European Liver Patients’ Association ( ) proudly congratulates Dr. Reham Soliman, member of the ELPA Scientific Committee, on receiving the prestigious Best Abstract Presentation Prize** at UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona!

Her award-winning research, “A Novel Point-of-Care Test for Detection of HCV Antigens Using Smart Polymer Technology: A Prospective Multinational Study,” highlights the potential of innovative diagnostic technologies to transform hepatitis C detection.

For patients, innovation in diagnostics is more than scientific progress. It represents an opportunity for earlier diagnosis, improved access to testing, timely linkage to care and progress towards hepatitis C elimination.

At ELPA, we strongly believe that bringing scientific excellence and patient perspectives together is essential to turning research into meaningful improvements in people's lives.

Congratulations, Dr. Soliman, on this outstanding recognition! We are proud to have your expertise and dedication within the ELPA Scientific Committee.

Together, we continue advancing science, innovation and patient-centred care towards a future without hepatitis C.

Reham Soliman UEG - United European Gastroenterology

19/10/2026

A Seat at the Table Is Not Enough. Patients Must Be Heard.

At in Barcelona, Marko Korenjak, President of the European Liver Patients’ Association ( ), delivered a powerful message at the European Alcohol Policy Alliance ( ) session.

Being in the room is not the same as being heard.”

Meaningful patient involvement means more than participation. It requires stigma-free dialogue, early engagement, genuine listening and accountability — ensuring that patient experiences shape real decisions.

From alcohol-related harm and liver disease prevention to research and public health policy, lived experience must become meaningful evidence that drives change.

A seat at the table is only the beginning. The real impact comes when patients' voices change decisions.

UEG - United European Gastroenterology fans

19/10/2026

🔬 Could a blood test help identify which patients with advanced liver disease are most likely to benefit from long-term albumin treatment?

The ALB-TRIAL, developed within the EU-funded MICROB-PREDICT project, is exploring a more personalised approach to treating people with cirrhosis and ascites.

Researchers are investigating whether specific blood-based biomarkers can distinguish patients with a higher or lower expected benefit from long-term human albumin treatment. The study plans to include 240 patients, who are classified according to the biomarker and then randomly assigned to receive either albumin or placebo.

The goal is simple but important: the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time.

⚠️ This publication describes the design and rationale of the ALB-TRIAL, not its final results. The biomarker is not yet ready to guide treatment decisions in routine clinical practice.

🤝 Importantly, the patient perspective is also represented in the research, with ELPA President Marko Korenjak among the co-authors of the publication.

Learn more: https://microb-predict.eu/for-patients-public/lay-summaries-of-key-publications/

18/10/2026

From Patient Voice to Meaningful Evidence: Different Perspectives, Better Care

At in Barcelona, ELPA warmly congratulates United European Gastroenterology, the scientific community and all patient organisations on the launch of the Patient Representatives Advisory Board ( ).

We are proud to join this three-year collaboration, strengthening meaningful in research, policy and care.

Today's discussions on raised an important question: Are we capturing the full picture of what treatment success and quality of life really mean?

A patient, caregiver, healthcare professional and care coordinator may experience the same disease journey differently. Each can reveal important dimensions of independence, dignity, treatment burden and quality of life.

These perspectives should complement, never replace, the patient's own voice.

For some, treatment success means longer survival. For others, less suffering, greater independence or more meaningful time with family.

We are not asking for another layer of complexity. We are asking for a more complete understanding of what treatment success really means.

For researchers and industry, understanding these perspectives earlier can help design better clinical trials, identify more meaningful outcomes and generate stronger evidence of treatment value. Ultimately, this can support more patient-relevant innovation, better-informed regulatory and HTA decisions, and improved care.

Our goal is not more questionnaires or additional burdens, but better questions, earlier involvement and more meaningful .

We hope this approach can contribute to the UEG PROMs toolkit and encourage future dialogue with and on integrating complementary perspectives into clinical development and assessment.

For people living with , including and advanced conditions, these perspectives are particularly important.

ELPA stands ready to contribute alongside UEG, PRAB and the scientific community.

Because meaningful patient involvement should not begin when research ends. It should help shape the questions from the very beginning.

Better questions. Better evidence. Better care. UEG - United European Gastroenterology WHO Regional Office for Europe EU Science Hub - Joint Research Centre EU Science & Innovation OncoDaily European Cancer Organisation EASL - The Home of Hepatology ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology European Commission European Parliament

17/10/2026

🇪🇺🎗️ OCTOBER |

D: THE HIDDEN THREAT WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO MISS.

EVERY PERSON LIVING WITH HEPATITIS B SHOULD BE TESTED FOR HEPATITIS D.

🦠 D ( ) cannot exist without B ( ). Yet too many people living with HBV have never been tested for HDV.

This is one of the most important missed opportunities in viral hepatitis care across Europe.

HDV is associated with one of the most aggressive forms of chronic viral hepatitis, accelerating liver damage and increasing the risk of:

🔴 Cirrhosis and liver failure
🎗️ Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) — liver cancer
🫀 Liver transplantation
⚠️ Premature mortality

And the greatest concern? People may remain unaware of their infection until serious complications develop.

💊 THE TREATMENT LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING.

For years, treatment options for hepatitis D were extremely limited.

Today, innovative therapies such as bulevirtide, authorised in the European Union for eligible patients with chronic HDV, are creating new opportunities to control infection and improve clinical outcomes.

Other therapeutic approaches are also being investigated.

We are entering a new era in hepatitis D care — but innovation means little if patients are never diagnosed.

🔎 ONE TEST CAN CHANGE THE PATHWAY.

International recommendations support anti-HDV testing for everyone who is HBsAg-positive, with HDV RNA testing to confirm active infection when indicated.

We should not wait for unexplained liver deterioration, advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis before considering HDV.

Test for HBV.
If HBV-positive, test for HDV.
If HDV-positive, confirm active infection.
Assess liver damage.
Link patients to specialist care and appropriate treatment.

🇪🇺 EUROPE HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACT.

But we need more than separate initiatives.

We need:

✅ Routine HDV testing integrated into HBV care pathways across Europe.

✅ Greater awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

✅ Equitable access to confirmatory diagnostics, specialist care and innovative treatments.

✅ Stronger connections between viral hepatitis programmes, liver cancer surveillance and transplantation services.

✅ National implementation that reduces inequalities between European countries.

HDV is often described as a rare infection. But how can we understand its true burden when so many people with hepatitis B have never been tested?

🎗️ DON'T WAIT FOR LIVER CANCER TO START LIVER CANCER PREVENTION.

We have the diagnostic tools.
We have new treatment opportunities.
We have recommendations.

Through the European Liver Screening Tour and European Liver Screening Week. ELPA continues advocating for earlier detection and better connections between prevention, treatment and long-term liver health.

🇪🇺 European Liver Screening Tour 2026
🇪🇺 |
🎗️ OncoDailyi

14/10/2026

🔬 Can changes in liver stiffness tell us how alcohol-related liver disease is progressing?

Research from the MICROB-PREDICT, GALAXY and MicrobLiver projects explored whether liver stiffness measurements could help predict and monitor the risk of serious complications in people with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).

Researchers found that both the initial liver stiffness measurement and changes over time provided important information about future risk. Among people with advanced disease, an increase in liver stiffness of 20% or more was associated with a higher risk of liver decompensation and death compared with those whose liver stiffness decreased.

The findings highlight the potential value of repeated, non-invasive liver stiffness measurements – not only to assess where a patient is today, but also to monitor how their risk may be changing over time.

⚠️ A decrease in liver stiffness does not mean that all risk has disappeared, particularly for people with advanced liver disease. Further research is also needed to determine the optimal frequency of repeat measurements.

Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eaZRWY7v

📖 The study was published in the Journal of Hepatology in 2024 and included researchers from MICROB-PREDICT, GALAXY and MicrobLiver.

concentris research management GmbH

13/10/2026

🇪🇺🎗️ OCTOBER |

# LIVER CANCER: EARLIER DETECTION. MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS. BRIGHTER TOMORROWS.

🧡 A liver cancer diagnosis is serious. But today, there are more reasons for hope than ever before.

For too long, liver cancer has been associated with late diagnosis, limited treatment options and poor survival.

Science is changing that story.

Innovations in immunotherapy, targeted medicines, combination treatments and multidisciplinary cancer care are creating new opportunities for patients

🔬 INNOVATION IS CHANGING THE FUTURE.

💊 Targeted therapies can interfere with pathways that help cancer grow.

🧬 Immunotherapies help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.

🔬 Combination treatments, including immunotherapy-based regimens, have improved survival outcomes for eligible patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

🩺 Surgery, ablation and transplantation** remain essential potentially curative options when cancer is diagnosed at an appropriate stage.

💚 Supportive and palliative care help protect quality of life throughout the cancer journey.

But innovation alone is not enough.

🔎 THE EARLIER WE FIND LIVER CANCER, THE MORE OPTIONS WE MAY HAVE.

Many people living with chronic liver disease do not know they are at increased risk.

🦠 Hepatitis B, C and D
🧡 MASLD and MASH
🔄 Obesity, diabetes and metabolic dysfunction
🍷 Alcohol-related liver disease
🧬 Rare liver diseases, including PBC, PSC and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Prevention starts before cancer develops.

Vaccination against hepatitis B, testing and treatment for viral hepatitis, addressing metabolic risk factors, reducing harmful alcohol consumption and managing chronic liver disease can help prevent complications.

For people at increased risk, particularly those with cirrhosis, **regular liver cancer surveillance — often ultrasound every six months — can help identify cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

🇪🇺 EUROPE MUST CONNECT PREVENTION WITH INNOVATION.

**Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, EU4Health and the European Health Union** provide important opportunities to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, access to innovation and equitable cancer care.

But we must also connect cancer policy with liver health, rare diseases, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular prevention.

Because a patient should not face a different healthcare pathway for every interconnected risk factor.

Through the European Liver Screening Tour 2026 &European Liver Screening Week, ELPA continues bringing liver health awareness and early risk identification closer to communities.

Our message is simple:

PREVENT WHAT WE CAN.
DETECT WHAT WE CANNOT PREVENT.
TREAT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
MAKE INNOVATION ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY PATIENT.

🎗️ LIVER CANCER IS NOT ALWAYS PREVENTABLE. BUT EARLIER DETECTION AND BETTER TREATMENT CAN CHANGE LIVES.

More options. More hope. More tomorrows. 💚

🇪🇺 European Liver Screening Tour 2026
🇪🇺 fans

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