Liverscan^® is a cutting-edge ultrasound diagnostic solution for liver fibrosis and steatosis.

Chronic liver diseases pose a significant health threat, affecting about 27% of adults in Hong Kong. Known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), this condition is becoming increasingly common. To tackle this issue, the PolyU-nurtured startup, Eieling Technology Limited, has launched the “LiverCare – Hong Kong 10 Million Liver Scans Program”. This ambitious five-year initiative aims to raise public awareness and promote early detection and treatment of MASLD and fibrosis using their flagship product, Liverscan^®.

Translating research into real-world applications

MASLD is a type of steatosis that often occurs with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and “three highs” - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugars. This condition is increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles and easy access to high-calorie foods. While often associated with being overweight, recent studies show that even those who appear to be of normal weight can develop fatty liver.

Liverscan^®

Founded in 2018 and supported by PolyU, Eieling Technology specialises in advanced medical ultrasound imaging devices for liver disease screening. Their flagship product, Liverscan^®, is a palm-sized, wireless, and portable ultrasound imaging guided device that enables affordable liver check-ups anytime, anywhere. This innovative device reduces costs, shortens examination times, simplifies operations, and enhances measurement accuracy, making liver disease screening more accessible to the wider community.

At the programme’s launch ceremony, Professor Zheng Yongping, Co-founder of Eieling Technology and Chair Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering said, “Liver fibrosis can be caused by long-term inflammation of liver tissue, excessive alcohol intake or long-term fatty liver, and may develop into cirrhosis, liver dysfunction, or even liver cancer. With Liverscan^®, we aim to make liver disease screening more accessible, thereby reducing severe liver disease cases.”

Professor Zheng Yongping

• Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering

• Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering

• Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing

• Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub

• Co-founder, Eieling Technology

Leading the way to implement the liver screening programme

PolyU has a longstanding commitment to applying its technologies in real-world contexts. The “LiverCare – Hong Kong 10 Million Liver Scans Program” will be rolled out among the PolyU community starting this September. The University will conduct liver fibrosis and fatty liver screenings for its full-time staff using Liverscan^®. Participants will also be invited to join a two-year follow-up study. The data collected will help the research team understand the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine liver ultrasound examination for monitoring disease progression.

Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation), highlighted the impact of the programme, saying, “The launch of the programme marks a milestone for PolyU in contributing to global public health, reflecting the University’s commitment to social responsibility and the translation of scientific research outcomes.”

Startup for societal benefit

Supported by the PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund, the Incu-Bio Programme of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and various industrial partners and private investors, Liverscan^® has secured clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA510k).

Aiming to scan 10 million livers of Hong Kong people in five years, the LiverCare programme will raise public awareness and promote early detection of chronic liver diseases.

Liverscan^® is already in use in renowned hospitals and clinics across Hong Kong, Macao, and other locations. Ongoing clinical research and collaborations with hospitals in Mainland China aim to broaden its reach, with plans to enter the Mainland China market in the third quarter of this year with National Medical Products Administration approval expected in September and a global launch in late 2024.

Listed on Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2023, Eieling Technology’s journey from a lab to a global health innovator showcases the power of PolyU’s PolyVentures ecosystem. This platform empowers entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas in universities into successful businesses through funding, networking, incubation programmes, training, and business matching services.