GSK plc has finalized its acquisition of efimosfermin alfa from Boston Pharmaceuticals, a promising investigational therapy targeting steatotic liver disease (SLD). Efimosfermin is a novel, once-monthly fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog currently in late-stage development for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), both major contributors to liver failure and transplant in the U.S.
With limited treatment options available for MASH and ALD, GSK aims to leverage efimosfermin’s direct antifibrotic mechanism to address advanced stages of SLD. The company also sees potential for combination therapy with GSK’990, an siRNA therapeutic under development for other liver disease subsets.
Kaivan Khavandi, SVP and Global Head of Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation R&D at GSK, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition: “Efimosfermin represents a significant expansion of our hepatology pipeline and a key growth opportunity with potential for a first launch in 2029. We look forward to unlocking its potential for patients.”
The acquisition aligns with GSK’s broader focus on fibro-inflammatory diseases across liver, lung, and kidney by integrating advanced immune science and innovative therapies into its portfolio.