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Akero’s Phase II Success Could Augur Brighter Days For NASH R&D

 
• By Joseph Haas

With Akero’s FGF21 analog showing ability to reduce fibrosis and resolve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, some analysts think classmate BIO89-100 could yield a better overall profile. NASH data are starting to pour in.

NASH race
Akero is emerging as a co-favorite with Madrigal in NASH R&D • Source: Shutterstock

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.’s successful Phase IIb data with efruxifermin (EFX) in pre-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients provided good news for the company, but also more generally for the NASH space, which has been mostly dominated by trial failures and regulatory setbacks during the past two years. In addition, EFX’s ability to reduce fibrosis and resolve NASH in the Phase IIb HARMONY trial also was considered reason for optimism for Akero’s direct competitor, 89bio, Inc.

Both companies have FGF21 analogs – EFX and pegozafermin (BIO89-100) – in Phase II for NASH, with a central thesis...

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