Liver cirrhosis ranks in 11^th place and is the leading cause of death in the world (According to WHO statistics – 2019). There is currently no approved cure for cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown that the primary mechanism of liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells to become myofibroblast-like, proliferate, and enhance the production of extracellular matrix proteins (the main ingredient is collagen). Therefore, therapies that interfere with activating hepatic stellate cells can prevent cirrhosis’s progression. The technology of targeting hepatic stellate cells with small molecule drugs is a new, modern and potential approach. It is expected to be a non-invasive, highly effective and targeted method in the treatment of cirrhosis. Essential strategies and tools related to small molecule drugs were introduced at the Scientific Conference “Small-Molecule Drugs for the treatment of Cirrhosis – New approaches in Viet Nam” on September 8^th, 2022, held by the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology, VNUHCM-University of Science.

The seminar was attended by Mr Enrico Padula, Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City; Prof. Marco Abbiati, Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Viet Nam, shared about orientations in Science and Technology cooperation between Viet Nam and Italy.

Scientific reports with the participation of:

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

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

– Dr Ninh Quốc Đạt, Ha Noi Medical University;

– MSc. Lê Văn Trình, VNUHCM-University of Science.

Some pictures from the conference: