Monte dei Paschi (MPS) is focused on completing in the shortest time possible its integration with Mediobanca , the CEO of the Tuscan bank said when asked about possible interest for Banco BPM. ...

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is down 1% to trade at $59 this morning, after news surfaced that the pharmaceutical concern has entered an agreement to purchase U.S.-based peer Akero Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:AKRO) for as much as $5.2 billion in cash. AKRO is charging 16.8% higher in response, last seen at $54.29. The agreement has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors at Akero. Novo Nordisk stock is down 31% year-to-date, succumbing to recent overhead pressure at $60. The shares have been struggl ...

格隆汇10月9日｜美国生物技术公司Akero Therapeutics(AKRO.US)涨约16.5%，报54.15美元。消息面 上，诺和诺德同意以高达52亿美元的价格收购Akero Therapeutics，旨在获取后者一款前景广阔的肝病药 物。现金预付款为每股54美元，较Akero周三收盘价溢价约16%。(格隆汇) 来源：格隆汇APP ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk A/S has agreed to acquire Akero Therapeutics, Inc. for a total value of approximately $4.7 billion, focusing on treatments for metabolic diseases [1][2]. Transaction Terms - Novo Nordisk will pay $54 per share in cash, totaling $4.7 billion at closing [2]. - Akero shareholders will also receive a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) for a potential additional payment of $6 per share, amounting to $0.5 billion, contingent upon U.S. regulatory approval of EFX for treating compensated cirrhosis due to MASH [2]. Strategic and Portfolio Fit - The acquisition aligns with Novo Nordisk's long-term strategy to develop innovative medicines for diabetes, obesity, and related comorbidities [3]. - Akero's EFX is a promising treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [3]. Clinical Development - EFX is currently being evaluated in the phase 3 SYNCHRONY program, which includes three clinical trials aimed at supporting regulatory approval for treating pre-cirrhotic (F2-F3) MASH and compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to MASH [4]. - Previous phase 2b trials showed significant improvements in liver fibrosis, with reductions of 49% and 29% in fibrosis for the HARMONY and SYMMETRY trials, respectively, compared to placebo groups [5]. Financial Implications - The acquisition is not expected to affect Novo Nordisk's operating profit outlook for 2025, although it will negatively impact free cash flow by approximately $4 billion [6]. - For 2026, increased research and development costs are anticipated, leading to a projected three percentage point decrease in full-year operating profit growth [7]. - The transaction will primarily be financed through debt [7].

Novo Nordisk said on Thursday it would acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion in cash, marking a significant push into treatments for fatty liver disease as the Danish drugmaker seeks to br... ...

智通财经APP获悉，丹麦制药巨头诺和诺德(NVO.US)周四宣布已达成最终协议，将收购美国生物制药 公司Akero Therapeutics(AKRO.US)，交易总价最高达52亿美元。根据协议条款，诺和诺德将以每股54美 元、总价47亿美元现金收购Akero，并附带每股6美元不可转让的"或有价值权" (CVR)——这一部分的价 值为5亿美元。该交易已获得Akero董事会一致批准，预计将在年底前完成。受此消息影响，截至发稿， Akero周四美股盘前大涨近18%，诺和诺德则跌超1%。 代谢功能障碍相关脂肪性肝炎(MASH)由代谢功能障碍相关脂肪性肝病(MASLD)进一步发展而来。 MASH患者常常伴随着脂肪变性、炎症和肝纤维化，并可进一步发展为肝硬化。 诺和诺德首席执行官Mike Doustdar表示"MASH悄无声息地摧毁着生命，efruxifermin有望通过逆转肝损 伤来改变这一现状。""我们相信efruxifermin可以成为一种基石疗法，无论是单独使用还是与Wegovy(司 美格鲁肽)联合使用。" Akero则表示，诺和诺德在代谢疾病领域的全球领先能力将有助于加速EFX在三期"SYNCHRONY"临床 ...

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk has agreed to acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion to enhance its position in the treatment of metabolic diseases related to obesity, particularly focusing on a promising liver disease drug [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves a cash payment of $54 per share, representing a 16% premium over Akero's closing price of $46.49 [1]. - An additional contingent value right (CVR) of $6 per share will be paid if the drug receives full approval in the U.S. by June 30, 2031 [1]. - Following the announcement, Akero's stock surged over 19% in pre-market trading, while Novo Nordisk's stock fell nearly 2% [1]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The key asset in this acquisition is Akero's experimental drug efruxifermin, currently in late-stage trials for treating severe liver scarring due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH) [4]. - Novo Nordisk believes efruxifermin has the potential to be the first therapy to reverse end-stage liver damage associated with MASH, aligning strategically with its existing product line [4]. - The acquisition reflects the growing importance of the MASH field and the competitive landscape of obesity drug markets, with other pharmaceutical giants also making significant acquisitions in this area [4]. Group 3: Leadership and Strategic Direction - This acquisition marks the first major deal under the new CEO Mike Doustdar, who took office in July and aims to boost sales growth amid competitive pressures from rivals like Eli Lilly [1][6]. - Doustdar has indicated a focus on developing next-generation obesity and diabetes drugs that can also treat MASH and related cardiovascular metabolic diseases, aligning with the strategic direction of this acquisition [6].

Novo said it would buy Akero for $54 a share in cash and an additional $6 if it gets U.S. approval of Efruxifermin - it's treatment for fatty liver disease. ...

Group 1 - Novo Nordisk announced the acquisition of Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion to enhance its growth strategy under new CEO Mike Doustdar [1][2] - Akero's drug, efruxifermin, is in late-stage trials for treating severe liver scarring due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [2][3] - The acquisition includes an upfront payment of $54 per share, representing a 16.2% premium over Akero's last closing price [3][4] Group 2 - An additional payment of $6 per share will be made if efruxifermin receives full U.S. approval by June 30, 2031 [4] - Investors are urging Novo Nordisk to invest more in research and development to strengthen its drug pipeline and diversify beyond weight loss and diabetes [4] - Doustdar emphasized the focus on developing next-generation obesity and diabetes drugs that also address related cardiometabolic conditions like MASH [6]