Akero hopes to begin Phase III study of efruxifermin this year, with 89bio working to enter Phase III with pegozafermin in 2024. But just behind them, Boston Pharmaceuticals thinks it has a convenience and immunogenicity edge.

At AASLD, 89bio presented subgroup analysis from its successful Phase IIb NASH study indicating that the drug may meaningfully reduce fibrosis even in the sickest patients, those with cirrhosis.

The US biotech is hoping to either partner off its wholly owned pipeline or become a target for an acquisition or merger after AstraZeneca’s asthma exit left it with dwindling cash, and a need to cut costs.

With a Phase II gastric cancer asset discontinued for financial reasons last year, the pipeline at Pieris is looking very bare now that AstraZeneca has discontinued a mid-stage trial of its asthma candidate elarekibep.