Sri Lanka has been identified as a key market in DelveInsight’s latest Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) market intelligence report, highlighting the country’s growing prevalence of the disease and its potential for pharmaceutical investment.

Formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), MASH was redefined in 2023 by leading liver disease authorities, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), to better reflect its metabolic origins.

The report, commissioned by a pharmaceutical client, assessed MASH prevalence, patient burden and treatment landscapes across key Asian markets, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations.

DelveInsight’s analysis revealed that MASH prevalence in Asia is heavily influenced by factors such as ethnicity, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In Sri Lanka, prevalence rates range between 5-35%, with urban areas showing higher rates compared to rural regions.

Globally, MASH is a rising health concern, with approximately 42 million prevalent cases in the 7MM (US, EU5, and Japan) in 2023, including 15 million diagnosed cases. This figure is projected to grow significantly by 2034, driven by increasing obesity rates and metabolic disorders.

In Asia, Japan reported 2.5 million diagnosed cases in 2023, while India’s urban areas showed a prevalence of 17-25%, compared to 10% in rural regions. South Korea also highlighted a growing risk, with obesity rates reaching 36% and abdominal obesity at 24%.

Currently, only one drug, Rezdiffra, is approved for MASH treatment, following its FDA approval on 14 March 2024, for patients with moderate to severe fibrosis. This milestone is expected to accelerate the development of future MASH therapies, with clinical trials likely expanding into Southeast Asia.

Several pharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Gilead Sciences, are advancing therapies in the pipeline, signalling a competitive and rapidly evolving market.

DelveInsight’s report emphasised the importance of data-driven market assessments for strategic decision-making in the pharmaceutical sector. By analysing treatment adoption, competitive dynamics, and grade-specific patient pools, the firm provided actionable insights to help clients identify growth opportunities and optimise market entry strategies.

“Understanding MASH market dynamics is critical for companies looking to address this high-burden disease with significant unmet needs,” the report stated.

DelveInsight’s methodology included epidemiological research, competitive intelligence, and market forecasting, enabling clients to navigate complex treatment landscapes and align their strategies with real-world clinical and commercial dynamics.

For pharmaceutical companies eyeing the Asian market, Sri Lanka’s emerging MASH landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. With its growing prevalence and unmet medical needs, the country is poised to become a key player in the region’s fight against metabolic liver diseases.