When Akero’s stock dropped after a trial setback, why did RTW double down that same day? CEO Andrew Cheng joins RTW’s Rod Wong to share how he navigated the biotech storm, why he believed in efruxifermin (EFX,) and what’s next for liver disease treatment.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin

Featuring: Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Rod Wong in 2023

00:22 – Introduction

01:01 – Introducing Akero Therapeutics and MASH

03:51 – Discussing Akero’s Trials and Setbacks

08:32 – Becoming pioneers in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic treatment

11:05 – Challenges of being a biotech CEO

12:52 – Outro and Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, and moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.