Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has announced the launch of its Elecsys® PRO-C3 test, a new diagnostic tool developed in collaboration with Nordic Bioscience, to assess the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Liver fibrosis, which contributes to roughly one in every 25 deaths worldwide, often progresses silently until its later stages. MASLD—driven largely by obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic risk factors—affects around 30% of the global population and is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in developed countries. The growing prevalence of MASLD places an increasing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
The Elecsys PRO-C3 test offers clinicians a rapid and reliable method for identifying patients with varying stages of liver fibrosis. Used alongside the ADAPT score—which factors in PRO-C3 levels, platelet count, age, and diabetes status—it provides a clear picture of fibrosis severity, distinguishing between significant fibrosis (≥F2), advanced fibrosis (≥F3), and cirrhosis (F4). This information is vital for guiding treatment decisions and identifying patients eligible for newly emerging therapies.
A key advantage of the Elecsys PRO-C3 test is its speed. It delivers results in just 18 minutes using Roche’s cobas® analysers, streamlining the diagnostic process and reducing the need for invasive liver biopsies. Initially, the ADAPT score will be calculated manually, but Roche plans to introduce automated software later this year to simplify the process further.
“With MASLD affecting more people each year and treatment options now becoming available, early and accurate detection of fibrosis is essential,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “The Elecsys PRO-C3 test meets this need by enabling faster diagnoses, better treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes, all while easing pressure on healthcare services.”
Until recently, MASLD treatment options were limited to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. However, the emergence of new pharmacological therapies offers new hope for patients by improving liver function and slowing disease progression.
The introduction of the Elecsys PRO-C3 test marks a significant step forward in the fight against liver disease—bringing speed, precision, and efficiency to the diagnosis and management of liver fibrosis.
About Roche
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person, we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.
For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche’s business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.
Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.
