Obeticholic acid failed to separate from placebo in a Phase III study of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients with cirrhosis, but Intercept said it still plans to refile an NDA for pre-cirrhotic NASH by year’s end.

With Akero’s FGF21 analog showing ability to reduce fibrosis and resolve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, some analysts think classmate BIO89-100 could yield a better overall profile. NASH data are starting to pour in.

Looking ahead to lengthy, expensive Phase III NASH studies, Akero looks to tap public markets for $200m. Analysts call EFX’s Phase IIb data potentially best-in-class.

Real-world evidence provides external controls for bluebird bio’s eli-cel and Ipsen’s palovarotene, while Reata used RWE to address FDA concerns about the pivotal single-arm study of omaveloxolone. In the post-market, Intercept is gearing up to seek full approval of Ocaliva relying in part on claims database.