Akero Therapeutics

The Liver Fibrosis market, valued at ~USD 2,308 million in 2023, is expected to grow significantly by 2034, driven by rising prevalence and new therapies. The US leads in market size and cases, with Germany leading in the EU. Key companies include Gilead Sciences, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, focusing on emerging treatments like Efruxifermin and Aramchol.

Akero Therapeutics, Inc. announced its management will present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2025. The company, focused on treating serious metabolic diseases, is conducting Phase 3 trials for its lead product, EFX, targeting MASH patients. A live webcast will be available on their website.

MASH, a complex liver disease, lacks adequate diagnostics, complicating clinical trials. Rezdiffra, the first approved therapy not requiring liver biopsy, marks progress. Experts advocate for combination therapies and non-invasive diagnostic advancements to overcome trial design challenges and improve patient outcomes.

In 2024, Liver Disease News highlighted key liver disease research and treatments, including Rezdiffra's petition in Canada, a US MASLD study, Phase 3 trials for efruxifermin, patents for CM-101, FDA fast track for LB-P8, CRMA-1001's promise, Rezdiffra's Phase 3 success, ASO 56's potential, tirzepatide's MASH treatment, and bepirovirsen's fast track status for hepatitis B.

DelveInsight's report on Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) provides insights into historical and forecasted epidemiology, market trends, current treatment practices, emerging drugs, and market size from 2019 to 2032 in the United States, EU5, and Japan. Key companies and therapies in the NASH market are highlighted, including recent developments like Aligos Therapeutics' Phase 1 data presentation.

Boston Pharmaceuticals unveiled Phase II data for efimosfermin alfa, showing significant fibrosis improvements in MASH patients, with 45.2% achieving at least a one-stage improvement in fibrosis without MASH worsening. Efimosfermin alfa, a once-monthly FGF21 analog, also resolved MASH without fibrosis worsening in 67.7% of treated patients, compared to 29.4% in the placebo group. The drug demonstrated good tolerability and will continue Phase II development.

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Morgan Stanley analyst Michael Ulz maintained a Buy rating on Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) on Nov 15, setting a $46.00 price target, citing promising Phase 2b HARMONY study results showing efruxifermin's anti-fibrotic effect in F2/3 MASH patients. Ulz anticipates upcoming SYMMETRY study results in F4 MASH as a key catalyst. Evercore ISI also assigned a Buy rating with a $38.00 price target on Nov 11.

Akero Therapeutics reports Q3 2024 financials, with $787.1 million cash position to fund operations into H2 2027. The Phase 3 SYNCHRONY program for efruxifermin (EFX) in MASH treatment progresses, including first patient dosing in SYNCHRONY Outcomes study for compensated cirrhosis. Q3 operating expenses rose to $81.7 million, driven by expanded clinical trials. Phase 3 SYNCHRONY Real-World and Histology studies advance, with results expected in 2026 and H1 2027, respectively. Phase 2b SYMMETRY study week 96 results anticipated in February 2025.