HQ Team
October 9, 2025: Novo Nordisk will acquire US-based Akero Therapeutics, Inc. for $5.2 billion to pocket an experimental drug in end-stage trials to treat liver disease, the company announced.
 Efruxifermin is potentially meant for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). It is currently in phase 3 development for the treatment of patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis and patients with cirrhosis, according to a statement.
The acquisition is part of Novo Nordisk’s long-term strategy to develop innovative and differentiated medicines and treat millions of additional people living with diabetes, obesity and their associated comorbidities.
“MASH destroys lives silently – and efruxifermin has the potential to change that by reversing liver damage,” said Mike Doustdar, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk.
“If approved, we believe it could become a cornerstone therapy, alone or together with Wegovy® (semaglutide), to tackle one of the fastest-growing metabolic diseases of our time.Â
“This acquisition embodies Novo Nordisk’s relentless ambition to move faster, go further, and ultimately deliver on our commitment to pursue leadership in diabetes, obesity and their associated comorbidities,” he said.
Type 2 diabetes
Novo Nordisk will acquire all outstanding shares of Akero’s common shares $54 per share in cash (or an aggregated value of $4.7 billion), and Akero shareholders will receive a non-transferable contingent value right entitling holders to a potential additional payment of $6 per share in cash (or an aggregated value of $0.5 billion).
“Within MASH, there remains a huge medical need for effective treatment options, especially in the later stages of the disease,” said Martin Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of Research & Development at Novo Nordisk.
With more than 40% of MASH patients also having type 2 diabetes, and over 80% of MASH patients being overweight or living with obesity, MASH is closely linked with Novo Nordisk’s expertise in diabetes and obesity.
MASH is a serious, progressive metabolic disease affecting the liver, which can be fatal if not properly managed.
Cirrhosis
The disease is characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver that causes stress and injury to liver cells, leading to inflammation and fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer and eventually death.Â
More than 250 million people are estimated to live with MASH, and the number of individuals in advanced stages of the disease is expected to double by 2030.
Approximately 20% of patients with MASH will progress to cirrhosis, which has a higher risk of mortality. There are a few approved treatments for the condition, and MASH is the fastest-growing cause of liver transplants and liver cancer in the US and Europe.
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