efruxifermin
Efruxifermin is a weekly subcutaneous Fc-fusion analog of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) — a liver-secreted hormone regulating fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and energy balance — developed by Akero Therapeutics for MASH. The Fc-fusion domain extends the half-life of FGF21 from minutes to a week, enabling once-weekly dosing. Akero is evaluating efruxifermin in Phase 3 trials in both pre-cirrhotic (F2/F3) and cirrhotic (F4) MASH; REZDIFFRA, the only approved MASH drug, was not studied in cirrhotic patients, leaving that population entirely without an approved option.
Upcoming catalysts
Programs
MASH (NASH)
Compensated cirrhotic (F4) MASH is the highest-risk and most therapeutically underserved MASH population — patients have advanced hepatic scarring substantially increasing the risk of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related death — and REZDIFFRA, the only approved MASH drug, was not studied in cirrhotic patients. This Phase 3 program evaluates efruxifermin in compensated cirrhotic MASH with a pre-specified interim in 2026 measuring ≥1-stage fibrosis improvement without MASH worsening at week 36.