Novo Nordisk to buy Akero for up to $5.2 billion for promising liver drug

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]