Akero Therapeutics Reports Positive Preliminary Results from Phase 2b Study on Efruxifermin
Key Points:
– Akero Therapeutics saw a 21% increase in its shares following the release of positive preliminary results.
– Results are from a Phase 2b study evaluating the efficacy and safety of efruxifermin.
– The study focused on patients with pre-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis stage 2 or 3.
– The study achieved its primary endpoint of 1-stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH after 24 weeks of treatment for both dose groups.
Positive Findings:
– Both dose groups showed improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH symptoms at the 96-week mark.
– Response rates increased significantly compared to the placebo group.
– Additional histology endpoints at week 96 also showed significant improvements in fibrosis without worsening of NASH compared to the placebo.
Safety and Tolerability:
– Efruxifermin was generally well tolerated with no deaths reported.
– Fifteen serious adverse events were reported but were balanced across dose groups.
Future Expectations:
– A second biopsy after 96 weeks of treatment is scheduled with results expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Market Reaction:
– Despite a downward trend over the past year, Akero Therapeutics’ shares rose significantly post the encouraging results.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The market is expected to react positively to Akero Therapeutics’ positive preliminary results from their Phase 2b study. The company achieved its primary endpoint and showed improvement in fibrosis and no worsening of NASH symptoms. The response rates increased significantly, and the drug was well tolerated. Future results from a second biopsy are expected in Q1 2025.
