Novo Nordisk announced plans to acquire Akero Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases with high unmet medical need, in a deal worth up to $5.2 billion. The acquisition will grant Novo Nordisk the rights to Akero’s fibroblast growth factor 21 analogue efruxifermin (EFX), a MASH treatment currently in Phase III development for the treatment of patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis and patients with cirrhosis. According to a company press release, Novo Nordisk will acquire all outstanding shares of Akero’s stock for $54 per share, or an approximate value of $4.7 billion. An additional payment of $6 per share (approximately $500 million) is contingent on US regulatory approval of EFX. The deal is expected to close around the turn of the year. EFX is currently being evaluated as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in the Phase III SYNCHRONY program. The program consists of three clinical trials evaluating the treatment of pre-cirrhotic MASH and compensated cirrhosis due to MASH. According to the release, two Phase IIb trials previously demonstrated 49% and 29% reduction in fibrosis without worsening of MASH, compared to 19% and 11% in their respective placebo groups. “MASH destroys lives silently - and [EFX] has the potential to change that by reversing liver damage,” said Mike Doustdar, President and CEO, Novo Nordisk, in the release. “If approved, we believe it could become a cornerstone therapy, alone or together with Wegovy (semaglutide), to tackle one of the fastest-growing metabolic diseases of our time. This acquisition embodies Novo Nordisk’s relentless ambition to move faster, go further, and ultimately deliver on our commitment to pursue leadership in diabetes, obesity and their associated comorbidities.” “[EFX] complements Novo Nordisk’s leading portfolio and is aligned with our commitment to building a competitive portfolio of treatment options across the stages of MASH. Within MASH, there remains a huge medical need for effective treatment options, especially in the later stages of the disease,” said Martin Lange, CSO and executive vice president of Research & Development, Novo Nordisk, in the release. “Based on the data generated by Akero, we believe [EFX] could be a first- and best-in-class treatment for mid- to late-stage MASH with the potential to reverse liver damage. Novo Nordisk is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of [EFX] and reach more patients living with MASH.” Novo Nordisk to acquire Akero Therapeutics in deal worth up to $5.2 billion 4 NEWS CPHI FRANKFURT 2025 PREVIEW
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