Snow Medical Funds New National Program to Tackle Fatty Liver Disease

The Snow Medical Research Foundation has allocated $15.5 million in long-term funding to the University of Sydney for a new national research program addressing fatty liver disease. This seven-year commitment will establish the Snow Programme for Liver Health.

Fatty liver disease is a condition affecting up to one in three Australian adults annually.

The initiative will unite researchers and clinicians from several University of Sydney-affiliated institutions, including the Charles Perkins Centre, Westmead Hospital, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, alongside other national partners. The program's base of operations will be the Storr Liver Centre at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research.

Addressing a Growing Public Health Concern

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a rapidly increasing public health concern. It is recognized as the primary cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is increasingly responsible for cases of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Projections indicate a significant increase in the burden of liver disease in the coming years, linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Foundation's Commitment to High-Impact Science

Tom Snow, Chair of Snow Medical, stated that the program reflects the Foundation's commitment to supporting long-term, high-impact scientific endeavors. Snow highlighted fatty liver disease as a major health challenge for which current scientific understanding and treatments require advancement.