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Investing.com - H.C. Wainwright initiated coverage on Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AKRO), currently valued at $3.65 billion, with a Buy rating and a price target of $72.00 on Thursday. The target aligns with the broader analyst consensus, which remains strongly bullish with targets ranging from $60 to $109 per share.
The research firm cited efruxifermin’s ability to reverse cirrhosis and its consistent efficacy across the spectrum of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) as key factors supporting the bullish outlook.
H.C. Wainwright noted that efruxifermin demonstrated statistically significant reversal of cirrhosis after 96 weeks in the Phase 2b SYMMETRY trial, with 39% of patients on the 50 mg dose achieving fibrosis improvement without MASH worsening, compared to 15% on placebo.
The drug’s effectiveness was further validated in the Phase 2b HARMONY trial for pre-cirrhotic MASH patients, showing robust 96-week improvements in fibrosis and statistically significant support for MASH resolution.
The research firm highlighted upcoming catalysts including the SYNCHRONY program’s first real-world Week-52 data in F1-F3 patients expected in the first half of 2026, followed by pivotal histology readouts in F2-F3 disease in the first half of 2027. With strong liquidity indicators and a healthy balance sheet, Akero appears well-positioned to advance these clinical programs.
In other recent news, Akero Therapeutics has been the subject of positive analyst attention. Morgan Stanley reiterated its Overweight rating on the company, maintaining a price target of $84.00. This follows Novo Nordisk’s decision to halt the development of its MASH treatment, zalfermin, after it failed to meet primary endpoints in a Phase 2 trial. Meanwhile, TD Cowen initiated coverage of Akero Therapeutics with a Buy rating and a $76.00 price target. The firm emphasized the potential of Akero’s FGF21 analog, efruxifermin (EFX), citing its strong efficacy data and differentiated clinical profile. These developments suggest a competitive edge for Akero in the MASH treatment landscape. Both analyst firms highlight efruxifermin’s potential for commercial success in treating advanced stages of MASH. These recent developments could be of interest to investors monitoring the company’s progress.
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