Three-quarters of gastroenterologists and hepatologists report high unmet need for MASH therapies, while access to approved treatments remains limited.
Exton, PA, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European market for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is entering a pivotal phase of development as increasing disease recognition converges with the recent approvals of Madrigal’s Rezdiffra (resmetirom) and Novo Nordisk’s Kayshild (semaglutide). As awareness of these therapies builds among specialists, reimbursement and access barriers remain significant across much of Europe.
According to findings from Spherix Global Insights’ Market Dynamix™: MASH (EU) 2026, 75% of European gastroenterologists and hepatologists report a high unmet need for MASH therapies. At the same time, specialists estimate that more than 40% of patients living with MASH remain undiagnosed, underscoring the substantial opportunity for future market growth as diagnosis and treatment rates improve.
MASH is increasingly recognized as a major consequence of Europe’s expanding metabolic disease burden. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists surveyed report that more than 40% of MASH patients treated within the past year were newly diagnosed, reflecting heightened disease recognition and referral activity across the region. Despite this progress, the asymptomatic nature of the disease, limited awareness among primary care providers, and insufficient screening of at-risk populations are noted as significant factors that impede broader MASH diagnosis.
Nonetheless, general practitioners play a central role in patient identification, serving as the leading source of new MASH referrals, followed by endocrinologists. Looking ahead, gastroenterologists and hepatologists estimate that nearly one-third of patients currently considered at risk could progress to MASH within the next three years. Most specialists report that MASH prevalence has increased over the past three years and expect that trend to continue, signaling further expansion of the diagnosed patient population.
Despite increasing patient volume, therapeutic options remain limited. Surveyed specialists identify the lack of available treatment options as the greatest challenge in managing MASH today. As a result, lifestyle modification remains the foundation of care, although most specialists acknowledge that lifestyle intervention alone is often insufficient. The majority estimate that successful management requires a combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapy.