Akero Therapeutics’ efruxifermin shows efficacy in Phase 2b cirrhosis trial

Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) released preliminary topline week 96 results from SYMMETRY, a Phase 2b study evaluating the efficacy and safety of its lead product candidate efruxifermin, or EFX, in patients with biopsy-confirmed compensated cirrhosis, Child-Pugh Class A, due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. 39% of patients treated with 50mg EFX experienced reversal of cirrhosis with no worsening of MASH, compared to 15% for placebo. In the Intent to Treat population, 29% of patients in the 50mg EFX group experienced reversal of cirrhosis with no worsening of MASH, compared to approximately 12% in the placebo group. With more than a doubling of effect size from weeks 36 to 96 in the 50mg group, the SYMMETRY study underscores the benefit of longer EFX treatment for patients with compensated cirrhosis. EFX was reported to be generally well-tolerated. There were no deaths on EFX, but one death in the placebo arm due to pneumonia. None of the Serious Adverse Events were determined to be related to study drug.