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... ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk has reached a final agreement to acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion, with a cash offer of $54 per share and an additional contingent value right of $6 per share, pending regulatory approval of Akero's drug efruxifermin [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total acquisition price is up to $5.2 billion, consisting of $4.7 billion in cash and a $500 million contingent value right [1] - The deal has been unanimously approved by Akero's board and is expected to close by the end of the year [1] - Following the announcement, Akero's stock surged nearly 18%, while Novo Nordisk's stock fell over 1% [1] Group 2: Akero Therapeutics and Efruxifermin - Akero is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for patients with severe metabolic diseases [1] - Efruxifermin is currently undergoing late-stage trials aimed at treating patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [1] - MASH can progress from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, potentially leading to cirrhosis [1] Group 3: Strategic Implications - Novo Nordisk's CEO emphasized the potential of efruxifermin to reverse liver damage and become a cornerstone therapy, either alone or in combination with Wegovy [2] - Akero believes that Novo Nordisk's global leadership in metabolic diseases will accelerate the evaluation and commercialization of efruxifermin [2] - A contingent payment of $6 per share will be made to Akero shareholders if efruxifermin receives full approval from U.S. regulators by June 30, 2031 [2]

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].

RAFAEL VALVERDE Rafael lives with obesity Mexico Novo Nordisk – a focused healthcare company Novo Nordisk to acquire Akero Therapeutics Inc. 2 Investor presentation 9 October 2025 Forward-looking statements Novo Nordisk's statutory Annual Report 2024, Form 20-F, any quarterly financial reports, investor presentations and written information released, shown, or oral statements made, to the public in the future by or on behalf of Novo Nordisk, may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the ope ...

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 drug semaglutide has become a phenomenon in the global pharmaceutical market, significantly boosting the company's market value beyond Denmark's GDP [1] - The Chinese market presents a vast potential due to the estimated hundreds of millions of overweight and obese individuals, attracting numerous companies to enter the market [1] - A pivotal moment is expected in 2026 when semaglutide's core compound patent in China is set to expire, opening legal and market opportunities for domestic pharmaceutical companies [1] Competitive Landscape - At least eight domestic companies have applied for market approval for semaglutide biosimilars, with over twelve others in critical II/III clinical trial stages, indicating a crowded competitive field [1] - Competition will not solely revolve around price wars but will involve diverse entrants with varying business strategies [1] Traditional Pharmaceutical Companies - Traditional large pharmaceutical companies like Huadong Medicine and Qilu Pharmaceutical are well-capitalized and possess mature R&D, production, and commercialization teams [2] - Huadong Medicine's strategy includes a dual approach of "independent R&D + external introduction," having already received approval for a biosimilar of Novo Nordisk's previous product liraglutide for weight management [2] - This strategy aims to educate the market, build relationships with doctors, and establish a skilled sales team, ensuring a stable cash flow for future competition [2] Emerging Biotech Companies - Emerging biotech firms like Innovent Biologics and Yino Pharma are opting for differentiated competition due to their limited scale and commercialization capabilities [2] - Innovent's collaboration with Eli Lilly on a dual-target agonist drug aims to provide additional therapeutic effects beyond weight loss and glucose control, potentially creating a less competitive niche market [2] - Yino Pharma is focusing on overseas markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America to avoid direct competition in China, following the approval of its core product [2] Diverse Market Entrants - Companies from various backgrounds are entering the market, reflecting its attractiveness [3] - Raw material producers like Jiuyuan Gene and Nuotai Bio are leveraging their cost advantages in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to integrate downstream into formulation businesses [3] - Traditional pharmaceutical companies under pressure, such as Ganli Pharmaceutical, are pursuing GLP-1 as a critical transformation direction, with ambitious R&D pipelines targeting competitive products [3] Capital Influx and Market Dynamics - The influx of capital is intensifying market competition, with companies like Zhifei Biological acquiring related products to quickly enter the market [3] - Even companies unrelated to the pharmaceutical industry, such as Sichuan Shuangma, are making unexpected cross-industry moves by acquiring peptide raw material companies [4] - The post-2026 Chinese GLP-1 market is anticipated to experience a "survival of the fittest" scenario, with significant price reductions expected, but the ultimate market structure will depend on how companies navigate their chosen strategies [4]

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]

Novo Nordisk, the Danish drugmaker behind Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs, said it's paying up to $5.2 billion to buy Akero Therapeutics, a biotech with a drug in a late-stage trial to treat a fat... ...

Novo said the acquisition of would contribute to its strategy to develop medicines for people living with diabetes, obesity and their associated comorbidities. ...

Group 1 - Novo Nordisk has agreed to acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion, gaining access to Akero's experimental liver disease drug [1] - The acquisition includes an upfront payment of $54 per share, representing a 16.2% premium over Akero's last closing price of $46.49 [2] - An additional payment of $6 per share will be made upon full U.S. approval of efruxifermin for treating compensated cirrhosis due to MASH by June 30, 2031 [2] Group 2 - Novo Nordisk's new CEO, Mike Doustdar, announced a restructuring plan that includes cutting 9,000 jobs to focus on developing next-generation obesity and diabetes drugs [3] - The company aims to concentrate on treatments for related cardiometabolic conditions, such as MASH, rather than diversifying into other disease areas [3] - Akero's drug, efruxifermin, is currently being studied for severe scarring or cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [4]