Liver cirrhosis ranked as the 11th leading cause of death globally, according to WHO statistics from 2019. At that time, there was no approved cure for cirrhosis. Previous studies had indicated that the primary mechanism of liver fibrosis involved the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which transformed into myofibroblast-like cells, proliferated, and enhanced the production of extracellular matrix proteins, with collagen being the principal component. Consequently, therapies that interfered with the activation of hepatic stellate cells had the potential to prevent the progression of cirrhosis. The technology focusing on targeting hepatic stellate cells with small molecule drugs emerged as a modern and promising approach. It was anticipated to be a non-invasive, highly effective, and targeted method for the treatment of cirrhosis. Essential strategies and tools related to small molecule drugs were introduced at the Scientific Conference titled “Small-Molecule Drugs for the Treatment of Cirrhosis – New Approaches in Viet Nam,” held on 8 September 2022, organised by the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology at VNUHCM-University of Science.

The seminar featured attendance from Mr Enrico Padula, the Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, and Prof. Marco Abbiati, the Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Viet Nam, who shared insights into the orientations of scientific and technological cooperation between Viet Nam and Italy.

Scientific reports were presented by:

– Prof. Gabriele Grassi, University of Trieste, Italy;

– Assoc. Prof. Trương Hải Nhung, VNUHCM-University of Science;

– Dr. Ninh Quốc Đạt, Ha Noi Medical University;

– M.Sc. Lê Văn Trình, VNUHCM-University of Science.

Below are some pictures from the conference: