Special Interview with Prof. Necati Örmeci, University of Health Sciences, Türkiye
On June 30, 2026, Hepatoma Research had the pleasure of interviewing Prof. Necati Örmeci from Istanbul Health and Technology University, Türkiye, one of Türkiye's leading hepatologists and an internationally recognized authority in viral hepatitis, MASLD, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During the interview, Prof. Örmeci discussed emerging priorities in hepatology, highlighting the growing global burden of MASLD, the clinical importance of lean MASLD, and the continuing efforts toward the World Health Organization's viral hepatitis elimination targets. He also shared his perspectives on the future directions of liver disease and liver cancer research over the next three to five years.
Prof. Örmeci emphasized that metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become one of the most important global health challenges, affecting more than one-third of the world's population. Among patients with MAFLD, he highlighted lean MAFLD as an increasingly important yet frequently overlooked subgroup. Although these patients have a normal body mass index, they remain at substantial risk of metabolic complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. He also pointed to sarcopenia as another emerging research priority, noting that its interaction with metabolic dysfunction warrants greater attention in future clinical studies, particularly in Asian populations.
Discussing regional priorities, Prof. Örmeci noted that viral hepatitis - including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D - continues to represent a major public health challenge across Asia. Referring to the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, he stressed the importance of strengthening early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment, and further reducing liver-related mortality. He emphasized that continued efforts in screening and disease awareness will be essential for achieving these international targets.
Reflecting on future research trends, Prof. Örmeci suggested that hepatology is moving toward a more comprehensive understanding of metabolic liver disease by integrating liver health with systemic metabolic disorders. He believes that earlier identification of high-risk patient populations, together with greater attention to metabolic dysfunction and its associated complications, will play an increasingly important role in improving long-term clinical outcomes.
We sincerely thank Prof. Örmeci for sharing his valuable insights. His perspectives on MAFLD, lean MAFLD, viral hepatitis elimination, and future research priorities provide valuable guidance for researchers and clinicians working to address the evolving challenges of liver disease worldwide.
Interview Question
Q1. From your perspective, what are the most exciting and rapidly developing areas in liver disease and liver cancer research over the next three to five years?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Necati Örmeci is Professor of Gastroenterology at Istanbul Health and Technology University, Türkiye. His research interests include viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV, and HDV), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), portal hypertension, and hydatid disease. He has made significant contributions to the diagnosis and management of chronic liver diseases, particularly in viral hepatitis and its complications.
Prof. Örmeci is a leading hepatologist in Türkiye and the Asia-Pacific region. He has served as Past President of the Turkish Gastroenterology Association, Executive Committee Member and Steering Committee Member of APASL, and Congress President of the APASL 2026 Annual Meeting. He is also a permanent member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences. He is also a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences and has been widely invited to speak at major international hepatology conferences.
Editor: Vivienne Yan
Production Editor: Xingyue Luo
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Hepatoma Research
