Highlights of the Congress
The 34th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) concluded successfully in Beijing on March 30, 2025. Under the theme " Multidisciplinary Collaboration For Elimination & Cure," this academic event brought together leading hepatology experts from the Asia-Pacific region, attracting over 6,000 participants from 54 countries and regions, including clinicians, researchers, public health specialists, and industry representatives.
The congress featured 332 expert reports, 507 oral presentations, 24 thematic sessions, and 13 innovation forums, with a total of 2,751 abstract submissions.
Guided by patient-centered principles, the congress facilitated multidisciplinary and multidimensional academic exchanges, sharing cutting-edge concepts, technologies, and methodologies while showcasing achievements in liver disease prevention and treatment across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
1. Patient-Centered, Multidisciplinary Collaboration
In China, effective prevention strategies have significantly reduced new HBV infections. According to 2014 data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the HBsAg positivity rate was 2.94% among individuals aged 1–29 and 0.32% in children under five. By 2016, the overall HBV infection prevalence in the general population was 6.1%, translating to approximately 86 million chronic HBV carriers, primarily aged over 30. The rising incidence of liver cancer—particularly among older patients with prolonged survival—demands closer collaboration between hepatology, oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, and transplant medicine.
Meanwhile, lifestyle changes in China have led to a surge in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), necessitating interdisciplinary cooperation with endocrinology, diabetology, cardiology, and nephrology. APASL 2025 addressed these evolving patient needs through dedicated multidisciplinary forums.
2. Asia-Pacific Leadership in Global Challenges
As one of the world’s top three hepatology societies, APASL shoulders dual responsibilities: addressing global issues while prioritizing regional needs. For instance, 60% of global viral hepatitis cases originate in the Asia-Pacific region. Eliminating viral hepatitis globally is impossible without progress here. Additionally, managing MAFLD—distinct from Western dietary patterns—requires region-specific strategies with global relevance.
3. Alignment with Global Advancements
APASL 2025 emphasized synchronizing regional efforts with global trends. The congress hosted a dedicated “Cure Forum” to discuss expert consensus on functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Continuing medical education (CME) programs also focused on MAFLD management.
4. Breakthrough Data and Innovations
The congress spotlighted recent breakthroughs, including three groundbreaking studies on HBV functional cure presented during the “Emerging Data Showcase.”
5. Systemic Transformation of Hepatology Practice
While Asia-Pacific hepatologists excel in viral hepatitis management, the growing burden of MAFLD demands expanded expertise. APASL 2025 addressed this through structured CME programs to equip clinicians with cross-disciplinary knowledge.
6. Showcasing China’s Achievements
China’s leadership in viral hepatitis prevention, novel drug development, and expanded HBV treatment guidelines was prominently highlighted, underscoring its contributions to global hepatology.
