GSK buys efimosfermin alfa from Boston Pharma for USD 2 billion

Efimosfermin is a novel, once-monthly fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog therapeutic in clinical development for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), including cirrhosis, and future development in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), both forms of SLD.

Currently, MASH and ALD have limited treatment options and are the leading causes of liver transplant in the US, representing a significant burden and cost on healthcare utilisation.

"GSK, based on its work in human genetics and disease phenotyping, believes efimosfermin has potential to address more advanced stages of SLD due to its direct antifibrotic mechanism of action, and sees opportunity in combination with GSK’990, a siRNA therapeutic in development for other subsets of patients with SLD," the release stated.

Kaivan Khavandi, SVP & Global Head, Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation R&D, GSK said, “The close of our acquisition for efimosfermin alfa represents a significant expansion of our hepatology pipeline aimed at addressing steatotic and viral drivers of liver disease. Efimosfermin is a key growth opportunity for GSK with multiple development options and potential first launch in 2029. We look forward to unlocking the potential of this medicine for patients.”

The addition of efimosfermin further expands GSK's pipeline to address fibro inflammatory diseases in liver, lung and kidney, a key focus for the company.

GSK has acquired BP Asset IX, Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Pharmaceuticals, to access efimosfermin. The total cash consideration for this acquisition amounts to up to $2 billion, comprising an upfront payment of $1.2 billion and up to $800 million in success-based milestone payments. GSK will also be responsible for success-based milestone payments as well as tiered royalties for efimosfermin owed to Novartis Pharma AG.