Akero Sees Across-The-Board NASH Benefit With Efruxifermin, But Faces Competition

30 Jun 2021

At EASL 2021, Akero presented efruxifermin data showing benefit in cirrhotic NASH patients and strong liver fat reduction, but may be challenged in the FGF21 analog class by 89Bio.

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. — Akero hopes to stay ahead of other FGF21 analogs in NASH

Akero Therapeutics, Inc. bolstered the profile of its FGF21 analog efruxifermin (EFX) as a noteworthy contender in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis during the recently concluded European liver meeting by showing potential benefit in cirrhotic patients and strong liver fat reduction data. While Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s thyroid receptor beta (THRβ) agonist resmetirom exited the meeting as the presumed clinical development leader in NASH, with pivotal Phase III data expected during the second half of 2022, EFX was cited by one analyst as the other NASH candidate that impressed.

Most of the data presentations at the European Association for the Study of the Liver meeting held 23-26 June were...