GMC Guideline for MASLD 2026

The Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) has published its 2026 Updated Global Consensus Recommendations for MASLD/MASH in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Developed through a structured Delphi process involving 40 international experts, these recommendations provide a practical, evidence-based framework for identifying high-risk patients, assessing liver fibrosis using noninvasive tests (FIB-4, VCTE, and ELF), initiating newly approved therapies (resmetirom and semaglutide), and monitoring treatment response. The consensus emphasizes individualized, risk-based treatment, integration of lifestyle interventions, and standardized approaches to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes worldwide.

Oman’s Remarkable Commitment to Medical Research and Innovation

Heartfelt congratulations to University Medical City (UMC) in Muscat, Oman, on its outstanding Second Annual Research Day, held under the inspiring theme “From Evidence to Excellence.” This exceptional scientific gathering brought together more than 600 researchers, academic leaders, clinicians, and distinguished government officials, including ministers, reflecting Oman’s remarkable commitment to advancing medical research, scientific innovation, and healthcare excellence. With hundreds of research submissions spanning 20 scientific fields, an expanding clinical trials program, and increasing scientific productivity, UMC showcased the impressive depth and breadth of its scientific talent, research infrastructure, and institutional investment in shaping the future of healthcare in Oman. The Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) was honored to participate through a keynote address by its Chairman, Professor Zobair M. Younossi, on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in medical research and clinical decision-making. During his visit, Professor Younossi also toured UMC’s state-of-the-art research facilities, witnessing firsthand the impressive integration of cutting-edge basic and translational research laboratories, a comprehensive clinical trials unit, and an exceptional community of dedicated faculty, investigators, and scientists. Special congratulations to Dr. Siham Al Sinani, President and CEO of UMC, the entire UMC leadership team, UMC faculty, and the Government of Oman for their visionary leadership, exceptional scientific program, and unwavering commitment to translating scientific discoveries into meaningful advances in patient care. Oman offers an inspiring example of how national vision, institutional leadership, and scientific excellence can converge to accelerate medical innovation and shape the future of healthcare.

Beyond BMI: A Global Study from the Global NASH/MASH Council Redefines Risk in Lean MASLD

A new study, now published in JAMA, comes from the Global MASLD (G-MASLD) project, launched in 2023 by the Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC). Led by Dr. Zobair Younossi, the project brought together more than 60 investigators from 41 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, and North America. The result is one of the largest biopsy-confirmed MASLD cohorts ever assembled, with more than 18,000 patients. Answering questions of this scale and diversity requires sustained international partnership carried out by the GNC. The findings show that normal weight does not mean lower risk. About 6.7% of patients were lean by BMI (6% by waist circumference), rising to around 11% in Asia. Lean patients had fewer metabolic comorbidities and milder histologic activity, yet nearly 30% already had advanced fibrosis. Lean status was not independently associated with mortality or clinical events, but the presence of advanced fibrosis was the strongest predictor of outcomes: it roughly doubled mortality risk (aHR 2.10) and more than tripled the risk of clinical events (aHR 3.41). Liver stiffness measurement performed well in lean patients (AUC 0.87), while FIB-4 was less reliable (AUC 0.76). The clinical message is clear. Fibrosis assessment and risk stratification should guide care for every patient with MASLD regardless of BMI, and lean patients belong in therapeutic trials and treatment decisions. Congratulations to all the Global MASLD project colleagues and collaborators from around the world who contributed to this effort. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.18491 #MASLD #Hepatology #GlobalHealth #LiverDisease #GNC #JAMA