Key Takeaways
•Akero Therapeutics’ efruxifermin (EFX) demonstrated significant reversal of compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in a Phase 2b study.
•After 96 weeks, 39% of patients treated with EFX experienced cirrhosis reversal without MASH worsening, compared to 15% in the placebo group.
•These findings suggest EFX’s potential as a transformative treatment for patients with advanced liver disease.
Akero Therapeutics announced that its lead candidate, efruxifermin (EFX), achieved significant reversal of compensated cirrhosis (F4) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In the Phase 2b SYMMETRY study, 39% of patients receiving EFX showed cirrhosis reversal without worsening MASH after 96 weeks, compared to 15% in the placebo group.
The study enrolled patients with compensated cirrhosis, indicating liver damage without loss of function. Reversal of cirrhosis in this population is unprecedented, highlighting EFX’s potential as a transformative therapy. Dr. Andrew Cheng, Akero’s CEO, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that EFX could offer new hope for patients with advanced liver disease.
Akero’s Phase 2b Study Shows Promising Results
Efruxifermin is designed to mimic the activity of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone involved in regulating metabolism and reducing liver fat. By targeting multiple pathways, EFX aims to address the complex pathology of MASH, including liver inflammation and fibrosis.
The SYMMETRY study’s positive outcomes have led to increased optimism about EFX’s potential. Akero is currently conducting Phase 3 trials to further evaluate EFX’s efficacy and safety in a larger patient population.
These findings are particularly noteworthy given the lack of approved treatments for MASH-related cirrhosis. If EFX continues to demonstrate efficacy in ongoing studies, it could become a groundbreaking therapy for this underserved patient group.
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