LiverMultiscan with MRI – replacing liver biopsy

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Chronic liver disease has been termed “the silent killer”: It usually does not cause symtoms until it is too late and most of the liver has been destroyed, at which point life expectancy is short. Furthermore, unlike heart disease or cancer, chronic liver disease will become much more frequent over the next 20 years, mainly because many more people are becoming obese and diabetic, two illnesses which damage the liver. We therefore need better diagnostic tools to recognise patients with liver disease early, to accurately measure the degree of liver damage, and measure both, the progression of liver damage over time, and its improvement with treatment. Currently, the only reliable diagnostic method is biopsy, where liver tissue is obtained by inserting a needle and is then assessed under a microscope. Liver biopsy has serious limitations, is unwelcomed by patients, as it can be painful, and there is a risk of serious complications. Perspectum Diagnostics is a company founded by members of Oxford University, who have developed new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, LiverMultiscan™, to quickly, accurately and safely measure the degree and extent of liver damage without needles. We believe that our test could replace liver biopsy and become the best way to assess patients over time. We propose to develop our prototype technology into a robust diagnostic product, to be used routinely in patients within 2-3 years. Our vision is to fundamentally change the way liver disease is diagnosed and treated, because our new imaging method will provide risk-free, instant, and accurate assessment of the liver.