Akero’s 96-Week Fibrosis Data Sparkle In MASH

Already in Phase III with FGF21 analog efruxifermin for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), Akero Therapeutics, Inc. reported 96-week data from its already successful Phase IIb HARMONY study showing increased ability to improve and even resolve fibrosis in MASH patients with non-cirrhotic disease, meaning those with F2 or F3 fibrosis scores. Analysts said the data provide the best fibrosis improvement seen for any drug in MASH and offer a positive readthrough for efruxifermin’s potential to benefit even cirrhotic (F4) patients.

However, while Akero’s stock appreciated sharply in pre-market trading, the share price increase crumbled throughout the trading day due, at least partially, to safety concerns related to a loss of...