Novo Nordisk(US:NVO)2025-10-09 12:00Acquisition Overview - Novo Nordisk is set to acquire Akero Therapeutics Inc to enhance its portfolio in diabetes, obesity, and related comorbidities [2, 10] - The acquisition includes Akero's lead asset, Efruxifermin (EFX), for $47 billion USD at closing, plus a contingent value right (CVR) of $05 billion USD [14] - This acquisition aligns with Novo Nordisk's strategy to develop innovative medicines for people living with diabetes, obesity, and associated comorbidities [10, 14] Efruxifermin (EFX) Potential - Efruxifermin is highlighted as a potential first- and best-in-class asset in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) [14] - EFX is the only asset with demonstrated efficacy for F4 (cirrhosis) in MASH [26] - Phase 2 HARMONY trial results in F2-F3 patients showed 49% improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, and 37% MASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis [18] - Phase 2 SYMMETRY trial results in F4 patients showed 29% improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, and 42% MASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis [18] MASH Market and Unmet Needs - There is a significant unmet need across MASH stages, particularly for patients living with cirrhosis (F4) [15, 26] - Semaglutide 24 mg (Wegovy) is approved in the US for patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (F2-F3) but not with cirrhosis (F4), creating an opportunity for EFX [17] - MASH affects over 250 million people globally, with prevalence growing [17] Clinical Development - A Phase 3 clinical development program (SYNCHRONY) is ongoing to deliver on the potential of efruxifermin [22, 24] - The SYNCHRONY program includes trials for F1-F4 stages, focusing on safety & tolerability, fibrosis improvement, and disease progression [23]