Although GS-9674’s efficacy data don’t appear as promising as that for Intercept’s competing FXR agonist OCA, Gilead seems to be building an argument that its drug has a better combination of efficacy and safety.

Emerging Company Profile: ENYO Pharma has been around for barely four years, but it is already advancing its lead programs into Phase II trials in hepatitis B and NASH, and anticipates many more uses for its virology-based platform that will go way beyond treating virus infections.

Gilead has once more been mentioned as a prospective acquirer of Tesaro, but analysts at Datamonitor Healthcare's PharmaVitae believe that CAR-T and NASH are the areas where the company is more likely to seek buys that reduce its reliance on hepatitis C and HIV therapies.

With Phase II data showing its ACC inhibitor GS-0976 can significantly reduce hepatic steatosis, Gilead moves a step closer to goal of developing a proprietary combo therapy for NASH.