ASEAN Liver Research Initiative Sets Bold Agenda

The ASEAN Liver Research Initiative (ALRI) convened its inaugural meeting on Oct. 17-18, 2024, with representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam mapping out its future research agenda.

Hosted by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the event aimed to identify priority areas, establish working groups, and develop collaborative proposals to drive liver research in Southeast Asia.

“The ASEAN Liver Research Initiative Meeting is well-crafted to support a broad range of liver research activities, from clinical studies to practical applications, aiming to generate evidence for better disease prevention and treatment strategies,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr.

The DOST-PCHRD serves as the Secretariat for the ALRI, underscoring its commitment to advancing liver health in the region.

The ALRI highlighted three main research priorities: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), viral hepatitis, and the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in liver research.

It also outlined strategies to strengthen regional collaboration through joint research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and exploration of funding opportunities.

Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz, Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasized the significance of collaborative networks in accelerating scientific progress.

Representatives from each member country, including Dr. Janus Ong from the Philippines and counterparts from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, discussed the current state of liver diseases and existing research gaps in their nations.

Dr. Vanny Narita, Senior Officer of ASEAN’s Science and Technology Division, highlighted funding opportunities available through ASEAN programs to support liver research.

“Looking ahead, I would like to invite you to continue engaging with the broader liver research community,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya. He underscored the importance of partnerships and sustained momentum through future conferences and projects.

The ALRI was conceived during the 53rd Meeting of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Biotechnology and aims to foster collaboration by pooling resources, expertise, and knowledge to combat liver diseases in the region.

As the initiative progresses, it plans to launch research projects aligned with its priorities and boost promotional efforts to secure regional and international support.