The fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue space took another turn as Novo Nordisk A/S said during its second-quarter financial update that work with zalfermin (NNC0194-0499) will be discontinued. A phase II study testing the compound in combination with glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy failed to hit the primary endpoint related to liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), without MASH worsening.
Ischemic stroke is a fatal condition caused by an arterial embolism that blocks the blood flow through the cerebral artery, frequently being a cause of mortality and disability. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is likely the only member of the FGF family that may cross the blood-brain barrier. Among its functions, inflammatory regulation, energy metabolism, vascular homeostasis, oxidative stress and tissue repair can be highlighted.
89bio Inc.’s top-line phase IIb data from the 216-subject study called Enliven testing pegozafermin in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pushed shares (NASDAQ:ETNB) to a closing price March 22 of $13.68, up $2.75, or 25%. The drug, due next for phase III investigation, is a glycopegylated analogue of fibroblast growth factor 21.
Shares in Akero Therapeutics Inc. more than doubled in value after the company announced results from a phase IIb nonalcoholic steatohepatitis trial that it believes show lead candidate efruxifermin could challenge other candidates in development for the fatty liver disease targeted by so many biotechs and big pharmas.
