In a recent announcement, Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKRO) has appointed Scott Gangloff as its Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately. This strategic move comes as the clinical-stage company intensifies its efforts in developing groundbreaking treatments for patients grappling with serious metabolic diseases.
Gangloff’s appointment was met with enthusiasm from Akero’s leadership, including Andrew Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., the President and CEO, who expressed excitement about the wealth of experience Gangloff brings to the table. With nearly three decades of hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, Gangloff’s expertise is poised to significantly contribute to Akero’s late-stage clinical development of efruxifermin, the company’s lead product candidate.
Before joining Akero, Gangloff held key positions at renowned biopharmaceutical organizations, including Vice President, Global Biopharmaceutical Development, at Incyte Corporation. His extensive background encompasses leadership roles in strategy formulation, business development, and overseeing clinical and commercial supply chain operations. Notably, Gangloff’s tenure at Incyte saw him spearheading successful product approvals in both national and global markets, indicating his proficiency in navigating regulatory landscapes and ensuring operational excellence.
Gangloff’s responsibilities at Akero will involve steering the company’s commercialization and manufacturing strategy as it progresses through Phase 3 trials, aiming to swiftly provide meaningful treatment options to patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASH).
In his statement, Gangloff expressed eagerness to collaborate with Akero’s exceptional team to advance the development and manufacture of efruxifermin, currently undergoing Phase 3 trials for the treatment of MASH. He underscored the promising scientific evidence supporting efruxifermin’s potential as a therapeutic solution for individuals grappling with this complex disease.
Efuxifermin (EFX), Akero’s lead product candidate, represents a differentiated Fc-FGF21 fusion protein designed to address the multifaceted nature of MASH. Its mechanism of action offers a holistic approach, aiming to reduce liver fat and inflammation, reverse fibrosis, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve lipids. With its once-weekly dosing regimen and favorable tolerability profile observed in clinical trials, EFX stands as a beacon of hope for patients burdened by the escalating prevalence of MASH.
MASH, characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, poses a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Akero’s commitment to advancing transformative therapies aligns with the urgent need to address the growing burden of metabolic diseases and their associated complications.
As Akero continues to make strides in its Phase 3 SYNCHRONY program, building on promising results from Phase 2b trials, Gangloff’s appointment underscores the company’s dedication to assembling a world-class team capable of driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions to patients in need.
In conclusion, Akero Therapeutics’ appointment of Scott Gangloff as Chief Technology Officer signals a pivotal moment in the company’s journey towards revolutionizing the treatment landscape for metabolic diseases. With Gangloff’s leadership and expertise, Akero is poised to accelerate its mission of bringing hope and healing to patients worldwide.
