This travel award provides access for people with liver disease to liver disease education, emerging research, and engagement opportunities, with a focus on individuals affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
Alexandria, VA – July 13, 2026 – The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) proudly announces the new People Affected by Liver Disease (PALD) Travel Award for The Liver Meeting® (TLM), Nov. 5-9, 2026 in Denver, CO, made possible through the support of Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. The People Affected by Liver Disease Travel Award at TLM 2026 will remove financial barriers that prevent people from attending AASLD’s premier global conference in hepatology and will increase access to education, research, and community engagement opportunities for liver disease, including MASLD.
With MASLD now affecting nearly 4 in 10 adults worldwide, patient education and engagement remain critical components of improving outcomes. TLM provides people with liver disease, caregivers, and advocates with direct access to leading experts, cutting-edge science, and practical information to support informed decision-making and disease management.
"The impact liver disease has on our population is significant and growing, so we must grow access to the community to match," said Saul J. Karpen, MD, PhD, FAASLD, President of AASLD. "The AASLD welcomes and benefits from the participation of patients at our meeting. The PALD Travel Award will expand access to TLM and ensure more patients have the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in liver disease research, treatment, and care, and interact with clinicians and researchers. Empowering patients with knowledge and the ability to share vital aspects of their lives with key AASLD members is essential to effectively improving outcomes and advancing liver health."
Since its launch in 2021, AASLD patient programming at TLM has grown significantly. What began as a virtual program serving 60 participants has evolved into a robust, multi-day experience that welcomed more than 300 attendees in 2025. Developed by AASLD's Patient Advisory Group, a multidisciplinary committee of hepatology professionals and patient advocates, the program features educational sessions designed to meet the needs of patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals.
Despite growing interest, many people face financial barriers that limit participation in educational opportunities. Travel expenses, lodging costs, and other associated expenses can make attendance difficult, especially for individuals from underserved communities or geographically distant regions. Through the PALD Travel Award, travel support will be provided to people across the liver disease community, helping to broaden participation among diverse patient populations.
"Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for patients to engage directly with the latest science and the experts shaping the future of liver disease care," said Ricardo Rocha, MD, Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs for Madrigal. "We are proud to support AASLD's efforts to expand access to The Liver Meeting and help patients become more informed, engaged participants in their healthcare journey."
The PALD Travel Award participants will gain valuable insights into clinical trials, disease management strategies, public health policy, and opportunities to connect with peers, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
For more information on the PALD Travel Award, click here.
Formerly known as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), MASLD reflects updated scientific understanding and patient-centered terminology. Learn more about the new MASLD nomenclature and view AASLD resources on MASLD here.
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About AASLD
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), founded in 1950, is the leading global organization of scientists and health care professionals dedicated to advancing the science and practice of hepatology and improving liver health for all. Through cutting-edge research, professional education, practice guidance, advocacy, and collaboration, AASLD works to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure liver disease. The association supports a vibrant, multidisciplinary community committed to driving innovation and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Learn more at www.aasld.org.
About The Liver Meeting® (TLM)
TLM is the premier global event in hepatology, bringing together the researchers, clinicians, advanced practice providers, specialists, and leaders shaping the future of liver care. Through cutting-edge science, practical education, and meaningful collaboration, attendees gain the knowledge and tools needed to address today's most pressing challenges in hepatology. With expert-led sessions, innovative exhibits, and unmatched networking opportunities, TLM empowers professionals across every career stage to advance patient care and research to elevate the standard of liver health worldwide. Learn more about TLM26 at www.aasld.org/tlm-26.
About Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDGL) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering novel therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a liver disease with high unmet medical need. For more information, visit www.madrigalpharma.com.