89bio Hopes Akero’s Success In Cirrhotic NASH Is Positive For FGF21 Class

24 Mar 2021

Analysts say the cirrhosis-reversing benefit seen with Akero’s efruxifermin portends well for the entire class, and that 89bio might differentiate on safety, tolerability and dosing frequency.

Competitive edge and business advantage concept as a group of hot air balloons racing to the top but an individualleader with a small balloon attached giving the winning competitor an extra boost. — 89bio has a plan to compete in NASH and the FGF21 analog space

89bio, Inc. thinks the Phase IIa data unveiled by Akero Therapeutics, Inc. in cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients on 22 March shows the promise of the overall FGF21 analog class in NASH, including its Phase II BIO89-100. Several analysts appear to agree, issuing notes saying Akero’s ability to reverse cirrhosis with efruxifermin (EFX/AKR-001) should read through to the entire class and that 89bio’s candidate might offer the best overall profile among the FGF21s.

“I think [Akero’s] data actually is encouraging as additional histological confirmation of what an FGF21 analog can do in NASH,” 89bio chief medical officer Hank Mansbach told Scrip. “In that...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

Start your 7-day free trial
Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
Access comprehensive global coverage
Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

In Brief: Neurocrine Details New Data For Schizophrenia Drug Moving To Phase III

30 May 2025

• By Sushmita Panda

Neurocrine reports new details of positive Phase II results in schizophrenia and a favorable safety and cardiovascular profile for its first-in-class oral M4 agonist, now moving to Phase III trials.

Merck & Co./Daiichi Pull Patritumab Deruxtecan BLA On Disappointing OS

29 May 2025

• By Jessica Merrill

Patritumab deruxtecan is the lead antibody drug conjugate in a $22bn deal signed between the two partners, with the decision marking a disappointing setback

Senti’s Computer-Logic Inspired Cell Therapy Shows Early Promise

29 May 2025

• By Andrew McConaghie

The biotech believes its logic-gated cell therapies can get round the need for ‘clean targets’ which limit CAR-Ts and ADCs.

In Brief: Nicox Extends Cash Runway As Kowa Advances NCX 470 In Japan

29 May 2025

• By Sushmita Panda

Eye drug is already in Phase III trials elsewhere, with results due in Q3. Nicox could earn up to a further €24.5m in milestones and royalties from Kowa alliance.

GSK’s Bet On Spero’s Oral cUTI Antibiotic Poised To Pay Off With New Phase III Data

28 May 2025

• By Joseph Haas

Spero and partner GSK have Phase III non-inferiority data to support approval of tebipenem as the first oral antibiotic for complicated urinary tract infections.