Novo Nordisk $NOVO B (-0.41%) acquires the US biotech company Akero Therapeutics for up to USD 5.3 billion to expand its portfolio against the metabolic disease MASH. Akero is developing the promising compound efruxifermin (EFX), which has shown positive results in phase 3 studies in liver fibrosis. This complements Novo Nordisk's fast-growing business in obesity and metabolic diseases - particularly around Wegovy. The deal is to be financed largely through debt, without affecting the profit forecast for 2025. In the long term, the acquisition strengthens Novo Nordisk's position as a leader in metabolic and liver diseases.
