Therapeutic Areas
We develop novel therapies to transform the lives of people living with serious metabolic diseases.
Our focus is on developing novel treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASH is caused by excessive caloric overburdening in the liver, which leads to excess fat storage in the liver, liver cell stress and injury, and inflammation, which may cause fibrosis (scarring). Untreated MASH can lead to severe scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer.
Effective treatment of MASH requires intervention across stages of disease progression, addressing both the metabolic drivers as well as inflammation and fibrosis.
Akero is harnessing the natural biology of FGF21 to treat MASH.
FGF21 is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, fat metabolism, and energy balance. FGF21 protects cells against stress by improving energy production, activating natural defenses against cell damage, and maintaining protein balance.
Efruxifermin (EFX) is designed to work like natural FGF21 but with modifications that increase half-life and improve receptor engagement. EFX consists of two FGF21 molecules that are connected to a special component (called an Fc domain) that helps EFX stay in your body longer and bind more effectively to its target receptors.
Restoring metabolic balance with EFX
