In its Q2 earnings call, the biotech expressed optimism about developing VK2735 as a monthly injection, with an oral version moving into Phase II. An EOP2 meeting for its MASH drug is expected in Q4.

Roche is taking a more hard-nosed approach to portfolio prioritization, and said in its Q2 call that it believes it can move faster with a more slimmed down R&D pipeline.

That is, if very early data in a handful of patients are borne out in later, larger studies.

Akero is developing weekly injectable efruxifermin for MASH with solid 96-week efficacy data and three Phase III studies underway. But will it find a treatment niche in a competitive space?