Novo Nordisk Strengthens Obesity and Diabetes Portfolio with Akero Therapeutics Acquisition

Novo Nordisk announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Akero), a publicly held clinical-stage company developing innovative treatments for patients with serious metabolic diseases marked by a high unmet medical need. Akero’s fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue efruxifermin (EFX) is a potentially best-in-class treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). EFX is currently in phase 3 development for the treatment of patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (F2-F3) and patients with cirrhosis (F4).

Strategic and portfolio fit
The acquisition reflects Novo Nordisk’s long-term strategy to develop innovative and differentiated medicines and treat millions of more people living with diabetes, obesity and their associated comorbidities. With more than 40% of MASH patients also having type 2 diabetes, and over 80% of MASH patients being overweight or living with obesity, MASH is closely linked with Novo Nordisk’s expertise in diabetes and obesity.

“MASH destroys lives silently - and efruxifermin has the potential to change that by reversing liver damage,” said Mike Doustdar, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk. “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.”

“Efruxifermin 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, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of Research & Development at Novo Nordisk. “Based on the data generated by Akero, we believe efruxifermin 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 efruxifermin and reach more patients living with MASH.”