WELCOME TO THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF THE LIVER
SAVE THE DATE
BASL2026
Date: 6th - 9th October
Venue: International Convention Centre, Newport, Wales

BASL AND BASL SUB-GROUPS
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The British Association for the Study of the Liver is a multi-disciplinary society with around 900 members composed of interested individuals from clinical medicine, clinical and basic research and allied professions. |
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British Liver Nurses' Association is a professional nursing organisation aiming to develop knowledge and understanding of liver disease, in order to improve the quality of patient care. |
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The British Viral Hepatitis Group aims to improve the management and study of patients with chronic viral liver disease, bringing together UK hepatologists, gastroenterologists, infectious disease physicians, virologists and interested epidemiologists. |
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The BLTG (British Liver Transplant Group) was launched in 2014 to represent the professional interests of liver transplantation in the UK and promote strategic and academic development. The BLTG will foster close relationships with BTS (British Transplant Society) and LICAGE (Liver Intensive Care Group of Europe) and will build on the role of the UK and Ireland Annual Meeting by delivering structure and authority to the group. |
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Is a professional pharmacy organisation aiming to develop knowledge and understanding of liver disorders including viral hepatitis, in order to improve the quality of patient care, through medicines optimisation, collaborative and multi-disciplinary working and promoting patient-focused research. |
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British Association for Allied Health Professionals in Liver is a professional group for AHP’s specialising or working with patients with liver conditions. Bringing together specialist hepatology AHP’s from across the four Nations. Their aim is to promote excellence through the provision of AHP care to all patients with liver disorders. |
News
BASL update re: OCA in PBC
Read moreA statement from Dr Palak Trivedi in his role as BASL/BSG Immune Liver Disease SIG Chair
I write with reference to a statement released by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the beginning of September 2025, as relates to Obeticholic acid (OCA, Ocaliva) for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
In their statement, the FDA issued notice that Intercept Pharma (who do not operate in the United Kingdom) have withdrawn the license for OCA to treat individuals with PBC in the United States. This recommendation was made following that of the European Medicines Association (EMA) in 2024, which itself came after results of a post-market approval, phase IV randomised controlled clinical trial (COBALT trial, 747-302). To recap, COBALT was specifically designed to treat patients with advanced liver disease / high-risk PBC, with the primary efficacy outcome being a reduction in liver event free survival (hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, need for transplantation and/or death). As per previous statements from BASL, the patient population in COBALT (a) represented a minority (<20%) of the overall PBC group eligible to receive second-line therapy, and (b) this trial took place at a time period when OCA was available for commercial use as part of routine clinical care. This meant that recruitment to the COBALT programme was challenging, as the vast majority of patients with high-risk liver disease opted for commercially available drug rather than take a chance at being on placebo for up to 7 years. Consequently, the COBALT trial was not able to recruit the required number of patients according to pre-specified power calculations and sample size, and was terminated early.
Following review of clinical trial data, and the inability to recruit to COBALT, the FDA claimed that the clinical benefits of OCA did not impart benefit to patients beyond certain on-treatment biochemical changes, and that:
• Use of OCA outside its clinical label (cirrhosis with clinically significant portal hypertension) may be associated with harm, with an increased risk of clinical events
• Certain individuals without cirrhosis also developed clinical events in the COBALT study (i.e. high risk individuals with very high levels of bilirubin in the absence of cirrhosis, in keeping with the premature ductopenic PBC variant.
Notably, these claims were made despite no new safety concerns / adverse safety data being provided to the FDA since their last review of OCA''s place as a PBC treatment. It is also important to highlight that the FDA did not take into account any of the published real-world evidence evaluating OCA over several years (at a population level), nor the wealth of clinical evidence and patient testimonials from countries where OCA is actually available and used (such as the UK). Indeed, data from multiple sources show a significant improvement in liver biochemical markers and a reduction in clinical event rate in patients with earlier stage PBC - .Abbas et al. APT 2025 (in press); Ampuero et al. Hepatology 2023
As it stands OCA is still licensed in several western markets, including the UK, Australia and Canada, with off-label access in many European countries (e.g. Spain). With regards the UK specifically, there are as yet no changes to recommendations on the use of OCA in PBC from the MHRA or NICE. As such, the FDA recommendation has NO direct impact on the use of OCA in routine clinical practice, or in clinical trials (e.g. the OPERA study or the OACS programme).
Thus, we, categorically, DO NOT recommend that any patient empirically stop Obeticholic acid therapy at present, nor do we suggest that any patient eligible to receive OCA de novo be stopped from doing so following the EMA recommendation.
End
BSG / FGGlobal Webinar - Decompensated Cirrhosis, bundles and beyond: Recording
Read moreBrought to you by the Frontline Gastroenterology (FG) journal, this webinar was recorded on 1st October 2025.
The webinar discusses everything from care bundles for decompensated cirrhosis, and beyond. The speakers focus on the FG paper "Decompensated cirrhosis: an update of the BSG/BASL admission care bundle" which can be found via https://fg.bmj.com/content/16/e1/e3 .
A panel of leading international hepatology experts guide you through this challenging condition and answer many questions.
Webinar hosts - FG Trainee Editors:
Dr Kohi Gananandan
Dr Eathar Shakweh
Dr Irene Perez
Speakers:
Prof Stuart McPherson, BSG VP Hepatology (UK)
Prof Elliot Tapper, University of Michigan (USA)
Dr Salvatore Piano, University Hospital of Padova (Italy)
WATCH > HERE
BASL Special Edition of Frontline Gastroenterology online today
Read moreRead the BASL special issue of Frontline Gastroenterology online.
Read Today
A collection of papers discussing all current and relevant topics in hepatology.
This special edition has been made to celebrate BASL's affiliation with Frontline Gastroenterology.
Listen to the team discuss the papers in this recent special edition.
Listen > Here
Participants:
Dr Oliver Tavabie - Deputy Editor at Frontline Gastroenterology and Consultant Hepatologist at the Leeds Liver Unit
Dr Louise China - Lead Associate Editor at Frontline Gastroenterology and Consultant Hepatologist at the Royal Free
Dr Tim Cross - BASL President, Associate Editor at Frontline Gastroenterology and Consultant Hepatologist at the Royal Liverpool Hospital
We hope you enjoy the #FGPodcast.
EVADE - a ToRcH prospective audit
Read moreDo you want to help answer an important clinical question in hepatology and improve care? Do you want to get involved in a large national collaborative project with PubMed-cited collaborative authorship?
EVADE (Evaluating Variation in management following admission with Acute DEcompensation of cirrhosis) is a trainee-led national multicentre audit, and our first study with a prospective design! It is led by ToRcH-UK (national research network for trainees and AHPs), supported by a Guts UK grant and we are grateful for wide endorsement from BASL, BSG, SSG, WAGE, USG, and the British Liver Trust.
Following acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis, patients experience significant morbidity with 90-day mortality rates greater than 50% for the sickest patients. Significant variation in care exists and the BSG/BASL Decompensated Cirrhosis Discharge Bundle was developed to try and improve and standardise care. The aim of this study is to evaluate management and outcomes after discharge against these standards, looking at regional variation, and re-admission and mortality at 30, 60 and 90 days. From speaking to patients, we know this is an important area of unmet need!
Site registration opens today 22/09/25 and closes 31/12/25. Any patient who suffered acute decompensation of cirrhosis as part of their admission and is discharged between 01/01/26-31/03/26 is eligible for inclusion, with the follow-up period running until 30/06/26.
All clinicians, including specialist nurses and allied health professionals are encouraged to take part. Data will be submitted anonymously on REDCap. Each hospital site will have a site lead (registrar) with a supervising gastroenterology/hepatology consultant. The study can be registered via your local Audit Department and will not require R&D approval.
If you would like to take part, please access the EVADE study dashboard which provides the protocol and supporting materials. A collaborative authorship model on future publications will be employed for all contributors. If you have any questions, please contact us via committee@torchuk.org. We look forward to working with you on this exciting project!
Best wishes
ToRcH-UK committee
@torchuk.bsky.social
X @uk_torch
BJN Awards 2026 - Nominations are now open!
Read moreNominations are now open for The British Journal of Nursing Awards 2026!
Please nominate for the Gastrointestinal Nurse of the Year category
Gastrointestinal nurses carry out vital work across a multitude of specialisms and duties, including improving patient outcomes, promoting self-management and educating individuals on the nature and course of their conditions. This award recognises an individual or team who have made a significant impact in the provision, assessment or development of gastroenterological, liver and IBD-related care.
Visit the BJN website for all of the information and how to enter HERE
Entries close on 7th November 2025!
The BJN Awards will be held at BMA House in London on Friday, 20th March 2026, celebrating excellence in research and practice while recognising outstanding achievements across the nursing community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email nurseledconferences@markallengroup.com .
Events
BASL are delighted to announce the registration is now open for the Introduction to Hepatology meeting.
This is a face to face meeting at The Hallam Conference Centre London.
To view the programme click> Download Introduction to hepatology day 2025 Programme - (Draft V4).pdf
This meeting is aimed at early year Gastroenterology trainees (ST4/5) and those considering applying for Gastroenterology in the near future (IMT3 and IMT1/2) who are interested in Hepatology. We aim to cover some of the fundamental aspects of hepatology and the career pathway. You will hear from experienced UK Hepatologists and senior trainees who will talk on exciting developments in Hepatology and how you can navigate the current training pathway.
Meeting Times:
09:30-10:00 - Registration
16:30 - 16:45 - Questions and closing remarks
Register HERE
This one day event is FREE to attend for BASL & BSG Trainee Members (a deposit of £40 will be taken at the time of booking and refunded when you attend the event).
The non-member rate for this meeting is £75 (none refundable).
If you would like any further information please contact Kim@basl.org.uk
Sponsors
BASL would like to thank our sponsors AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Ipsen, Gilead, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and Dr Falk.
BASL can confirm the sponsors have had no influence or input into the programme, agenda or content of the event.
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to BASL to cover the costs of this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
The British Hepatology Pharmacy Group is delighted to announce its forthcoming educational meeting:
Date: 25th November 2025
Time: 9:15 -16:15 (registration from 8:45)
Venue: The Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam St, London W1W 6JJ
The objectives of the BHPG are to provide national leadership for pharmacists working in the field of hepatology and to promote excellence in the provision of pharmaceutical care in this area. The group brings together senior representation from across the country with a wealth of experience in the field of hepatology.
We have an exciting agenda which will be delivered by a wide range of clinicians and healthcare professionals.
To view the draft programme click here> Download BHPG meeting draft agenda - 25th November 2025 V6.pdf
Topics include:
2nd line therapies in PBC managing patient pathways
Patient optimisation in MASLD +/- Resmetirom
Research update -Research Committee
Joint talk – Tips on building RPS portfolio – consultant/core advance personal development.
HBV and update on guidelines (EASL) including antiviral drug prescribing
Pharmacy Technicians role in patient education and prehabilitation in cirrhosis /listed for transplant
Anticoagulation in liver disease and safety of DOACs
Registration Open and Free for all BASL/BHPG/BAAL/BLNA members. A £46 refundable deposit is requested on registration which will be refunded on the day when you attend the event.
Non- members £70 non-refundable.
Register > Here
Not a member of BASL/BHPG? Please consider joining to attend the meeting. Affiliate membership is £20 per annum.
Read more and join via the BASL website > Here
Find us on @heppharm
If you have any questions, contact admin@basl.org.uk
Spring board your research career! Book your study leave and register for the BSG Introduction to Research Day for Trainees & Nurses.
Date and Time: 29 November 2025 08:30 - 17:00
Location: Radisson Hotel York, North St, York YO1 6JF
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your involvement in research, this day has something for everyone and offers practical insights, expert guidance, and networking opportunities tailored to your career stage. Discover how to take your first steps in research, hear from experienced investigators, and connect with peers who share your enthusiasm for research.
Speakers include:
• Prof Debbie Shawcross, BSG Research Committee Chair, the Institute of Liver Studies and James Black Centre, King’s College London
• Dr Ben Mullish, Clinical Lecturer, Imperial College London
• Prof John Leeds, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
• Dr Phil Smith, Editor in Chief, Frontline Gastroenterology
• Prof Kathryn Jack, Surgery and Associated Services Lead Nurse for Research and Innovation, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Dr Leigh Donnelly, BSG Nurses Committee Chair, Training and Development Lead for Endoscopy, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Registration fees
BSG members: £50.00 (refundable within 10 working days of attendance)
Non-members: £50.00 (non-refundable)
For more information, including the event programme and registration, please visit the BSG website > HERE
01/12/25 - 02/12/25
Cholangiocarcinoma-UK 2025 Conference
Date: 1st and 2nd December
Venue: The Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, Nottingham
Registration is now open!
This will be the UK's largest multi-disciplinary meeting dedicated to cholangiocarcinoma research, bringing together clinical and preclinical researchers for two days of collaboration, innovation, and progress in bile duct cancer.
The programme will feature national and international speakers, cutting-edge research and dedicated sessions on the molecular biology of cholangiocarcinoma, the role of the tumour microenvironment, translation research, and the sharing of samples and resources.
Register by clicking > Here or via the QR Code below:
Abstract submissions are now open!
We invite contributions from across the cholangiocarcinoma community, that advance understanding, improve care, or amplify the patient voice in cholangiocarcinoma.
Submission deadline: Monday October 20th 2025
Submit your abstract by clicking > Here or via the QR Code below:
Please see the Abstract Guidance here: Download CCA-UK_Abstract_Guidance.pdf
Conference Highlights:
Keynote Speaker: We’re honoured to welcome Professor Jesús Bañales, a leading expert in liver disease and cholangiocarcinoma
Sessions:
Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma
New Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment
Increasing Collaboration and Data/Sample Sharing – Includes a round table discussion featuring five contributors exploring
cross-disciplinary partnerships
Vaccines and the Immune Response
Programme
View the Programme for 1st December > HERE
View the Programme for 2nd December > HERE
Neil Blenkinsop Pump Priming Award 2025:
Applications Open
Application Closes 1st November
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of Cholangiocarcinoma research and care.
We look forward to welcoming you to what is sure to be an insightful and impactful event!
Contact cca-uk@basl.org.uk for any queries.
11/12/25
To register for the meeting in person, please contact sigs@basl.org.uk to secure your place.
Early registration is encouraged as in person places are limited.
Date: NEW DATE: Thursday 11th December
Time: 9:30AM - 4:00PM
Location: Austin Court, 80 Cambridge Street, Birmingham B1 2NP
What3Words: ///float.roof.orbit
Travel information can be found here
For online registration please see here
Agenda: Download Palliative Hepatology Draft Agenda 11 12 25.pdf