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Akero Therapeutics Inc on Friday said it will benefit from ‘industry-leading development capabilities and commercial infrastructure’ through its acquisition by Novo Nordisk AS. San Francisco-based Akero develops clinical-stage treatments for metabolic diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a type of liver disease. It has agreed to a $5.2 billion takeover offer from Novo, the Bagsvaerd, Denmark-based maker of gluco-regulator drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Akero’s lead drug candidate efruxifermin, or EFX, is currently undergoing phase-three study, and aims to be a ‘best-in-class’ MASH treatment. This ‘will complement Novo Nordisk’s leadership in GLP-1 based metabolic treatments,’ Akero said. ‘Novo Nordisk’s world leading capabilities in cardio-metabolic disease will enhance and accelerate evaluation of EFX in the Phase 3 Synchrony program, preparation for a successful commercial launch, and delivery of EFX to patients in need around the globe.’ The deal follows a strategic review by Akero’s directors, and gives the US firm an edge by tying it to Novo’s dominant position in the metabolic drug market. According to Akero Chief Executive Andrew Cheng, the buyout will enable the company to benefit from ‘Novo Nordisk’s industry-leading development capabilities and commercial infrastructure.’ The initial consideration values Akero at $4.7 billion, or $54 per share, with an additional $500 million or $6 per share payment contingent on US approval of EFX by June 30, 2031. The upfront portion of the deal represents an estimated 17% premium to Akero’s closing price on Wednesday, and is 19% higher than its 30-day volume-weighted average price, the firm said. The deal’s total $5.2 million value is about 32% higher than the 30-day average share price. Akero advanced 0.1% to $54.13 during premarket trades in New York on Friday after surging 16% to $54.08 on Thursday. Novo Nordisk was down 1.0% at €376.00 in Copenhagen. Akero’s shareholders have approved the takeover. RTW Biotech, a London-listed investor focused on high-growth life science assets, which has Akero in its portfolio, noted the takeover. RTW estimated that Akero represented 3.3% of its net asset value as at August 31, before the Novo deal. RTW Chief Investment Officer Rod Wong added: ‘We expect M&A activity to remain strong as large pharma companies look to refill revenue pipelines ahead of looming patent expiries.’ RTW shares were flat $1.59 on Friday morning in London Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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