Akero's $AKRO Stock Surges 100% on Positive MASH Cirrhosis Results, Boosts $ETNB

Jan 27, 2025, 11:51 AM

Akero Therapeutics Inc. ($AKRO) has reported preliminary topline results from its Phase 2b SYMMETRY study, showing a statistically significant reversal of compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) at Week 96. The study demonstrated a 24-point difference in liver fibrosis improvement, with 39% of patients on efruxifermin showing improvement compared to 15% on placebo. Both completer and intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses indicated a statistically significant outcome, with the ITT analysis showing a 17% improvement over the expected 10%. The positive results have led to a significant pre-market increase in Akero's stock, trading 100% higher. The success of Akero's study is also seen as beneficial for competitors like 89bio Inc. ($ETNB), with its stock also experiencing gains, reaching up to $12.