Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) 2025 Conference Transcript

Summary of Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) - Industry: Biotechnology, specifically focused on liver diseases such as NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) and cirrhosis Key Points and Arguments Phase III Program Updates - Akero is currently executing multiple Phase III programs, including: - Synchrony Real World Study: Non-invasive study completed enrollment, results expected in the first half of 2026 [4] - Synchrony Histology Study: F2F3 study, results expected in the first half of 2027 [4] - Synchrony Outcomes Study: F4 study, first patient enrolled in September 2024, no guidance on results yet [5] Positive Phase II F4 Cirrhosis Data - Akero reported statistically significant improvement in fibrosis for cirrhotic patients, a first in the industry [7] - The effect size increased from 20% to 52% in pre-cirrhotic patients, indicating strong efficacy [8] - The company has not yet received FDA feedback on the Phase II data [10] FDA Interactions and Breakthrough Designation - Akero has breakthrough therapy designation for both pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients [16] - The likelihood of filing for accelerated approval based on the recent data is considered low, but the company intends to share the data with the FDA [18] Competitive Landscape - Akero faces competition from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, which has already received approval for its drug in the F2F3 space [57] - Other companies, including those developing FGF21 compounds, are also in the pipeline, indicating a competitive market [76] Study Design and Endpoints - The primary endpoint for the F2F3 study is a combination of fibrosis improvement and NASH resolution, which is different from other companies that may only focus on one [70] - The company is considering interim analyses based on strong data from the ongoing studies [25] Enrollment and Market Position - Enrollment for the F2F3 studies is tracking well, with expectations to complete enrollment by the first half of 2026 for a readout in the first half of 2027 [59][60] - Akero's strong F4 data has helped distinguish it from competitors, making enrollment easier [58] Pharma Interest in NASH - Recent acquisitions, such as GSK's purchase of Boston Therapeutics, indicate growing interest from large pharmaceutical companies in the NASH space [80] - Novo Nordisk is also entering the market, which could increase disease awareness and excitement in the field [82] Other Important Insights - Akero is actively engaging with large pharma companies for potential collaborations and investments [85] - The company is focused on ensuring patient safety and monitoring bone mineral density in ongoing studies [51][46] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Akero Therapeutics conference call, highlighting the company's progress, competitive landscape, and future outlook in the biotechnology sector focused on liver diseases.