Jul. 4 at 4:51 PM
$GALT FGF21 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 21) is a hormone that regulates metabolism, and the space has seen a major buyout feeding frenzy in the biopharma industry, primarily driven by the race to treat MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis) and obesity.Three major pharmaceutical acquisitions centered on proprietary FGF21 analogs have occurred:Novo Nordisk acquired Akero Therapeutics: Novo purchased Akero for
$54 per share in cash (totalling
$4.7 billion upfront) plus contingent value rights, valuing the total deal up to
$5.2 billion. This brought Akero's late-stage FGF21 candidate efruxifermin into Novo's portfolio to bolster its cardiometabolic treatments.Roche acquired 89bio: Roche bought 89bio for up to
$3.5 billion to secure their Phase III-ready FGF21 analog pegozafermin for moderate to severe MASH.GSK acquired Boston Pharmaceuticals' Asset: GSK acquired the FGF21 analog efimosfermin alfa in a deal valued up to
$2 billion (
$1.2 billion upfront).
