The UEFA Champions League’s first-ever league phase will come to a dramatic close on Wednesday, when all 18 games will kick off at once with several spots in the knockout stages up for grabs.
All but nine teams are still in the running to qualify for the next rounds, setting up for an entertaining finale for the league phase. Nine teams are competing for the last six spots in the knockout phase playoffs, a group that includes surprise strugglers Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, while seeding will play an equally large role in each team’s knockout fate. The list of permutations is lengthy as a result, and a frenetic finish could be in store for the league phase.
As the action comes thick and fast, Paramount+ will be a one-stop shop for the matchday mayhem that will come in the league phase finale. In addition to showing every game live, Paramount+ will also be the exclusive home of The Golazo Show, the whiparound show that will have eyes on all 18 games on Wednesday.
Here’s how to tune in.
Champions League expert picks, predictions, best bets on Matchday 8: Man City, PSG qualify; Barca top Atalanta
Nico Cantor will host the latest, jam-packed edition of The Golazo Show, while UEFA Champions League Today hosts Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards will also offer their insights during the whiparound show. The retired soccer players will also take part in the UEFA Champions League Today pre-match and post-match shows, which will air live on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
As usual, The Golazo Show will show all the major events as they happen and will also keep an eye on the fluctuating table as Europe’s top teams chase a spot in the knockout rounds.
Matchday 8 TV schedule
All times Eastern
Champions League standings
Key: Positions 1-8 qualify for round of 16 while positions 9-24 qualify for knockout phase playoffs and positions 25-36 are eliminated.
Pos
Team
GP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Liverpool
7
7
0
0
15
2
+13
21
2
Barcelona
7
6
0
1
26
11
+15
18
3
Arsenal
7
5
1
1
14
2
+12
16
4
Inter
7
5
1
1
8
1
+7
16
5
Atletico Madrid
7
5
0
2
16
11
+5
15
6
AC Milan
7
5
0
2
13
9
+4
15
7
Atalanta
7
4
2
1
18
4
+14
14
8
Bayer Leverkusen
7
4
1
2
13
7
+6
13
9
Aston Villa
7
4
1
2
9
4
+5
13
10
AS Monaco
7
4
1
2
13
10
+3
13
11
Feyenoord
7
4
1
2
17
15
+2
13
12
Lille
7
4
1
2
11
9
+2
13
13
Brest
7
4
1
2
10
8
+2
13
14
Borussia Dortmund
7
4
0
3
19
1
+8
12
15
Bayern Munich
7
4
0
3
17
11
+6
12
16
Real Madrid
7
4
0
3
17
12
+5
12
17
Juventus
7
3
3
1
9
5
+4
12
18
Celtic
7
3
3
1
11
10
+1
12
19
PSV
7
3
3
1
11
10
+1
12
20
Club Brugge
7
3
2
2
6
8
-2
11
21
Benfica
7
3
1
3
14
12
+2
10
22
PSG
7
3
1
3
10
8
+2
10
23
Sporting CP
7
3
1
3
12
11
+1
10
24
Stuttgart
7
3
1
3
12
13
-1
10
25
Manchester City
7
2
2
3
15
13
+2
8
26
Dinamo Zagreb
7
2
2
3
10
18
-8
8
27
Shakhtar Donetsk
7
2
1
4
7
13
-6
7
28
Bologna
7
1
2
4
3
8
-5
5
29
Sparta Prague
7
1
1
5
7
19
-12
4
30
RB Leipzig
7
1
0
6
8
14
-6
3
31
Girona
7
1
0
6
4
11
-7
3
32
Crvena Zvezda
7
1
0
6
12
22
-10
3
33
Sturm Graz
7
1
0
6
4
14
-10
3
34
RB Salzburg
7
1
0
6
4
23
-19
3
35
Slovan Bratislava
7
0
0
7
6
24
-18
0
36
Young Boys
7
0
0
7
3
23
-20
0
Are you a die-hard soccer fan looking to catch all the action in the Champions League? With Paramount+, you can now watch all 18 league phase matches at once! Here’s how:
1. Sign up for a Paramount+ subscription: First and foremost, you’ll need to sign up for a Paramount+ subscription. You can choose from different subscription plans, including a free trial for new customers.
2. Download the Paramount+ app: Once you’ve signed up, download the Paramount+ app on your preferred device. The app is available on various platforms, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
3. Access the Champions League matches: Paramount+ will be streaming all 18 league phase matches live. To watch all the matches at once, you can use the app’s multi-view feature, which allows you to watch up to four games simultaneously on one screen.
4. Customize your viewing experience: Paramount+ also offers various customization options, such as different camera angles, commentary options, and match highlights. You can tailor your viewing experience to suit your preferences and catch all the action from every angle.
5. Enjoy the games: Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching all the Champions League matches at once on Paramount+! With this convenient streaming service, you won’t miss a moment of the action as Europe’s best teams battle it out on the pitch.
Don’t miss out on any of the excitement in the Champions League – sign up for Paramount+ today and watch all 18 league phase matches at once!
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Champions League, watch Champions League, Paramount+, watch all league phase matches, Champions League matches, watch multiple matches, Paramount+ streaming, soccer streaming, Champions League streaming, live streaming, soccer matches, Paramount+ subscription, watch online soccer, Champions League online viewing, soccer fans, sports streaming, online sports viewing.
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The competition’s new format has thrown up plenty of drama so far, even if the stakes didn’t feel quite as high as previous years’ group stages
So there we have it. After five gruelling months and 144 games, including 18 in one night on Wednesday, the inaugural Champions League league phase is finally over.
The final matchday certainly delivered on the entertainment front, with 64 goals smashed in, including five in Liverpool’s clash with PSV in Eindhoven, six in Aston Villa’s home win over Celtic, and seven in Lille’s demolition of Feyenoord. “It was a little bit chaotic at times because there were goals going in everywhere,” former Rangers striker Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports. “I don’t think I would be able to watch just the one game in my house, on my sofa, ever again. It was sensational.”
It’s difficult to argue with that assessment, but the journey beforehand was a real slog. We still have another 16 games to get through before the round of 16, too, with the play-off knockout round set to be played in mid-February.
Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Villa don’t have to worry about that; they are automatically through after finishing in the top eight. But a host of other huge clubs underperformed as the overall competitiveness levels on the elite European stage dropped significantly.
The argument over whether the new format can be considered an immediate success will very much depend on allegiances, and with that in mind, GOAL brings you the winners and losers from the 2024-25 league phase…
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been on fire in the inaugural Champions League league phase, showcasing their dominance and proving themselves as serious contenders for European glory. With their attacking prowess and solid defense, they have proven that they are the real deal and a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
On the other hand, Manchester City have not been as impressive, struggling to find their rhythm and consistency in the group stages. Despite their strong squad and talented players, they have fallen short in their performances and it seems unlikely that they will be able to challenge for a second European crown this season.
The winners of the league phase have been teams like Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, who have all shown their class and quality in their performances. These teams have been able to navigate through tough groups and secure their spots in the knockout stages, setting themselves up for a potential deep run in the competition.
On the other hand, teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Juventus have been the losers of the league phase, failing to live up to expectations and struggling to secure their spots in the knockout stages. These teams will need to regroup and improve if they want to have any chance of making a run in the competition.
Overall, the inaugural Champions League league phase has been filled with exciting matchups, surprising results, and standout performances. As we head into the knockout stages, it will be interesting to see which teams will rise to the occasion and which teams will falter under the pressure. One thing is for sure, Arne Slot’s Liverpool are looking like serious contenders, while Manchester City will have a tough road ahead if they want to secure a second European crown.
Next phase in voting for Utah’s NHL team name begins
Fans can take the survey at any of the next four home games
Utah Hockey Club fans who attend any of the next four home games will enjoy an exciting opportunity – being able to participate in the next phase of a survey to vote on the team’s permanent name.
Smith Entertainment Group has conducted a series of these surveys because Ryan and Ashley Smith are committed to Utah’s NHL team being a community asset, and directly involving fans in the naming process has been a big part of bringing that to life.
The multiphase survey process began last spring with SEG inviting hockey fans and the Utah community to nominate and vote on their favorite team names. Initially, Ryan Smith asked fans to submit name ideas on X. That produced 20 potential names for the first round of fan voting, and the second round was narrowed to six. Fans showcased their enthusiasm by casting more than 750,000 votes.
Because this next round features not only names but also logos and branding treatments, only fans attending the next four Utah Hockey Club home games at Delta Center, starting tonight, will be able to participate.
Utah Hockey Club’s sellout streak is holding strong, and 15,000 fans are anticipated to attend each of the following games:
Wednesday, Jan. 29 vs. Pittsburgh
Friday, Jan. 31 vs. Columbus
Sunday, Feb. 2 vs. St. Louis
Tuesday, Feb. 4 vs. Philadelphia
SEG staff will be positioned around the arena before and during the games to help interested fans take the survey and cast their vote for the name and logo they like best. As with past surveys, an SEG representative clarified that this new iteration will utilize Qualtrics to ensure fairness, accuracy, and unbiased results through best practice, survey-research methodology, which includes randomization, progressive discrete choice analysis, encrypted data collection and storage. Backend analysis will also include best practice statistical methods to ensure data integrity.
So, what names made the shortlist for this round?
Utah Hockey Club
Utah Mammoth
Utah Wasatch
Utah Hockey Club and Utah Mammoth were names included in the latest round of top six names. Utah Wasatch is a new option created to honor the idea of a mythical snow creature with a Utah-centric approach inspired by the Wasatch Mountain range.
As fans will see, one name is not on the list: Yeti, which was also one of the top six names included in the most recent survey round. An SEG executive shared that it explored every avenue to make Yeti work but that YETI Coolers, LLC was ultimately unwilling to agree to a co-existence agreement. SEG has confirmed it is no longer pursuing Yeti as a potential name for the team.
The commitment SEG has to involve the fans and community in the naming process is unique in the history of professional sports. SEG said they are on track to announce the permanent team name before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season.
After months of anticipation, the next phase in voting for Utah’s NHL team name is officially underway. Fans have submitted their suggestions for the team’s name, and now it’s time to narrow down the options.
The team has revealed the top five potential names, and fans are invited to vote for their favorite. The options include the Utah Grizzlies, Salt Lake City Summit, Wasatch Warriors, Rocky Mountain Rampage, and Salt Lake City Slickers.
Voting will be open for the next two weeks, with the winning name being announced at a special event next month. Fans are encouraged to cast their vote and help choose the perfect name for Utah’s newest NHL team.
Stay tuned for updates on the voting process and be sure to show your support for your favorite team name. Let’s make history together as we welcome Utah’s NHL team to the league! #UtahNHL #TeamNameVote
The UEFA Champions League’s first-ever league phase comes to a close on Wednesday when 18 games will kick off at the same time as the push for knockout berths approaches a frenetic finish.
A series of dramatic events on Matchday 8 would be a fitting finale for the league phase, which has so far delivered a healthy dose of surprise results to the point that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain face elimination. Wednesday’s action will not solely be about which teams are into the next round and which ones will pack their bags and go, though. The picture for the knockout phases will become very clear once Matchday 8 comes to a close, and Friday’s draw will make the path to the Champions League final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31.
Champions League expert picks, predictions, best bets on Matchday 8: Man City, PSG qualify; Barca top Atalanta
Pardeep Cattry
As the action comes thick and fast, Paramount+ will be a one-stop shop for the matchday mayhem that will come in the league phase finale. In addition to showing every game live, Paramount+ will also be the exclusive home of The Golazo Show, the whiparound show that will have eyes on all 18 games on Wednesday.
Ahead of the Matchday 8 mayhem, here’s what to know about how the new format will impact the rest of the Champions League season.
How do teams qualify for the knockouts?
In the 36-team league phase, the teams that finish in the top eight will earn a bye and qualify directly for the round of 16. Those ranked ninth through 24th will enter the first-ever knockout phase playoffs, while the teams ranked 25th or lower will be eliminated. Unlike previous editions of the Champions League, no teams will drop down to the UEFA Europa League.
Who advanced to round of 16 with top-eight finish?
Liverpool
Barcelona
Arsenal
Inter
Atletico Madrid
Leverkusen
Lille
Aston Villa
Who is playing who in playoffs?
AS Monaco vs. Brest
Sporting CP vs. Club Brugge
Celtic vs. Man City
Feyenoord vs. Juventus
PSG vs. Benfica
Atalanta vs. Dortmund
Real Madrid vs. Bayern
Milan vs. PSV
How do the knockout phase playoffs work?
Teams ranked ninth through 16th at the end of the league phase will be seeded and will be drawn against one of the unseeded teams. Each seeded team will have two potential opponents and will find out their actual foe in Friday’s draw before participating in a two-legged series.
The seeded team will host the second leg and the team with the greater aggregate score will advance to the round of 16, with extra time and penalties looming if the aggregate score is tied.
Here are the predetermined pairings for the teams that will play in the knockout phase playoffs.
Pairing I: 9/10 vs. 23/24
Pairing II: 11/12 vs. 21/22
Pairing III: 13/14 vs. 19/20
Pairing IV: 15/16 vs. 17/18
Are there away goals, and can teams from same country meet?
The away goals rule will not apply, and there will be no restriction on teams from the same country playing each other.
How does the round of 16 work?
Teams that finished the league phase ranked first through eighth will be seeded in this round, while the teams that advanced through the knockout phase playoffs will be unseeded. The rules of the previous round apply and there will also be predetermined pairings that will create the bracket. There is an added reward for the teams that finished the league phase in the top four, though – they will essentially have their own quadrants of the bracket and would not face each other until the latter stages of the competition.
Here are the predetermined pairings for the round of 16.
Pairing A: 1/2 vs. Winner IV
Pairing B: 3/4 vs. Winner III
Pairing C: 5/6 vs. Winner II
Pairing D: 7/8 vs. Winner I
Key Champions League dates
Jan. 31: Draw for the knockout phase playoffs
Feb. 11-Feb. 19: Knockout phase playoffs
Feb. 21: Draw for the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final
March 4-12: Round of 16
April 8-16: Quarterfinals
April 29-May 7: Semifinals
May 31: Final
The UEFA Champions League is set to undergo a major format change starting from the 2024-2025 season. The new format will see the introduction of a league phase finale, which will determine the final teams that make it to the knockout stage of the competition.
So how exactly will this new format work?
The league phase finale will consist of two groups of eight teams each, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. These teams will be determined based on their performance in the league phase, where all teams will play each other once.
The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, while the third and fourth-placed teams will play in a playoff to determine the final two teams in the knockout bracket.
This new format aims to increase the competitiveness of the Champions League by ensuring that only the best-performing teams make it to the knockout stage. It also adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to the competition, as teams will have to fight until the very end to secure their spot in the next round.
Overall, the league phase finale promises to bring a new dimension to the Champions League and will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats as they watch their favorite teams battle it out for a spot in the knockout stage.
Tags:
Champions League, new format, league phase, finale, knockout bracket, UEFA, European football, soccer, tournament, group stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, final, format explained, football fans, sports news
The teams emerged for the league-phase finale to the backdrop of a din inside Philips Stadium, a venue the Reds last visited back in 2008.
A lively start only gave way to snatches of chances at either end, with Chiesa firing one decent effort from outside the area into the gloves of PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
The Italian was unable to make the most of space right of goal when later picked out by Elliott, before Joey Veerman swerved a good free-kick just too high of Caoimhin Kelleher’s net.
Chiesa had been an energetic presence throughout the early phases and that paid dividends for the visitors prior to the half-hour.
His latest foray along the right-hand side was partially dealt with by PSV, but the home team were caught playing out and Chiesa’s press on Veerman drew a foul inside the box.
Elliott immediately swiped the loose ball past Benitez but the referee pulled play back to award a penalty, which Gakpo calmly stroked into the bottom right corner.
Liverpool’s lead was short-lived, though. From a lofted pass into their area, Pepi’s deft flick teed up Bakayoko, who feinted as Robertson and Jarell Quansah slid in and clipped a clinical effort inside the left post.
A frenzied end to the half ensued.
In a thrilling match at the Philips Stadion, Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Despite the loss, the Reds secured their spot at the top of the UEFA Champions League group stage, thanks to their impressive performances in previous matches.
PSV took an early lead through a goal from Donyell Malen, but Liverpool fought back with a goal from Mohamed Salah to level the score. However, PSV regained the lead with a late goal from Cody Gakpo, securing the victory for the Dutch side.
Despite the disappointing result, Liverpool’s strong performances in the group stage ensured they finished at the top of their group, setting them up for a favorable draw in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Overall, it was a tough loss for Liverpool, but their focus now shifts to the next stage of the Champions League as they look to continue their quest for European glory.
LIVE: Follow all of the action on the final day of the UCL league phase
It all comes down to this as we have 18 simultaneous kickoffs in the Champions League league phase this evening. Check back throughout the night for updates on all of the drama.
2025-01-29T18:51:50Z
TEAM NEWS — BAYERN MUNICH
2025-01-29T18:50:22Z
TEAM NEWS — MANCHESTER CITY
2025-01-29T18:48:29Z
TEAM NEWS — BARCELONA
2025-01-29T18:46:46Z
TEAM NEWS — LIVERPOOL
The team news is starting to roll in. Here is how Liverpool will set up against PSV this evening!
2025-01-29T18:18:50Z
The San Siro is ready, and looking as gorgeous as ever.
2025-01-29T18:15:56Z
What a shot! Reports now say the fire has been contained but smoke has drifted into the concourses which could delay entry into the stadium for the fans.
There has been a fire outside the Etihad Stadium ahead of Man City’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge.
It appears the fire took place in a temporary merchandise shop.
Things are officially heating up in Manchester ahead of City’s crucial clash with Club Brugge this evening.
2025-01-29T17:42:37Z
We’ll kick off the night with Real Madrid’s team news as Ancelotti’s men look to break into the top-eight.
LIVE: Follow all of the action on the final day of the UCL league phase
Don’t miss out on the excitement as the top teams battle it out for a spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Stay tuned for live updates, scores, and commentary on all the matches happening today. Who will secure their place in the next round? Tune in to find out! #UCL #ChampionsLeague #FinalDay
Welcome to Matchday 8 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season! Europe’s premier club competition has its final day in its new format with 18 matches happening at the same time across the continent on Wednesday, providing exciting matchups, top talent and drama.
Welcome to our live blog coverage of the final day of the Champions League league phase! With several teams still fighting for their spot in the knockout stage, today’s matches are sure to be intense and exciting.
Stay tuned as we provide live updates, commentary, and analysis of all the action happening on the pitch. From last-minute goals to controversial calls, we’ll bring you all the drama as it unfolds.
So grab your snacks, settle in, and join us as we witness the thrilling conclusion of the Champions League league phase. Let’s see which teams will advance to the next round and which ones will be left disappointed. It’s all happening right here on our live blog. Let the games begin! #ChampionsLeague #LiveBlog #FinalDay
Tags:
Champions League, live blog, final day, league phase, soccer, football, sports, UEFA, European football, match updates, scores, results, highlights, commentary, Champions League final, group stage, knockout stage
Donald Trump is set to sign the Laken Riley Act Wednesday afternoon as the president approves a series of initiatives meant to tackle his key goal of curbing illegal immigration.
The bill, which will symbolically be the first bill Trump signs in his second term, will require the detention of immigrants who lack legal status and are accused of crimes, including several misdemeanor offenses, with the potential for deportation — even before they are convicted.
The Republican wishlist item was passed with bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and Trump campaigned heavily on curbing illegal immigration, using the death of Riley, a nursing student, as a centerpiece for immigration reform on the campaign trail.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks alongside an image of an alleged criminal detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during her first news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Jan. 28, 2025.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“We will deport individuals based on the laws of this country. That’s all this administration is trying to do enforce our nation’s immigration laws,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday.
“So if an individual is here illegally, if that means they cross our southern border illegally or they are overstaying their visa illegally or they’ve been deported before and returned to the U.S. illegally, which we found in many instances, they will be subject to deportation,” she added.
Riley was killed by Jose Ibarra, an immigrant without legal status first arrested after in September 2022 on charges of illegal entry, outside Atlanta in February 2024. Her death fueled the immigration debate ahead of the 2024 elections.
Supporters of former President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump hold images of Laken Riley before he speaks at a “Get Out the Vote” rally in Rome, Ga., March 9, 2024.
Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images
Ibarra had been living in the U.S. illegally and had been arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charges but was allowed to stay in the U.S. while his immigration case was ongoing. He was found guilty in Riley’s murder in late 2024 and is serving a life sentence without parole.
“That’s something that is a tribute to Laken, a beautiful young lady who was killed viciously by an illegal alien,” Trump said on Friday after the bill passed. “We passed a very powerful bill.”
Key in the legislation is that it will require that the Department of Homeland Security “expeditiously take custody” of immigrants without legal status who are charged with burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting or assault of a law enforcement officer, but not convicted.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers use a chain to more comfortably restrain a detained person using handcuffs positioned in front, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md.
Alex Brandon/AP
Though several Democrats signed on to the legislation, many have argued the law is too extreme, with Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin saying the bill “authorizes the largest expansion of mandatory detention seen in decades for anyone even suspected or accused of shoplifting.”
“Not only is this incredibly cruel and inhumane, it is also contrary to our legal system’s bedrock principle that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty, and thereby wholly un-American,” she added in a statement, noting that the bill could lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers “to prioritize indefinitely detaining people accused of petty shoplifting instead of going after suspected terrorists and violent offenders that pose a more urgent threat to the safety of our communities.”
The law also allows attorneys general to sue the federal government if they can show states are being harmed by a failure to implement immigration policies and allows states to sue DHS for harm caused to citizens allegedly due to illegal immigration.
However, ICE has warned that enforcement of the bill will cost much more than the $3.2 billion initially expected — and could reach $27 billion in its first year, according to a document obtained by ABC News.
“Full implementation would be impossible for ICE to execute within existing resources,” the document noted, adding that ICE would need to expand its detention capacity to 151,500.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building stands in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2025.
Vincent Alban/Reuters
And that estimate from ICE only includes the Laken Riley Act, not other initiatives that are part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Trump also signed 10 executive orders targeted at curbing illegal immigration in his first week in office, and newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined an immigration enforcement operation in New York City that resulted in the apprehension of several migrants lacking legal status on Tuesday.
“One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system,” Noem said on Saturday following her confirmation. “The Trump administration will once-again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country.”
ABC News’ Lauren Peller, Allison Pecorin and Armando Garcia contributed to this report.
President Trump announced today that he will be signing the Laken Riley Act, a new piece of legislation that will mark the next phase of his administration’s immigration crackdown. The act, named after a young girl who was tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant, aims to strengthen border security and enhance deportation efforts.
In a statement, President Trump emphasized the importance of protecting American citizens and ensuring that those who enter the country do so legally. The Laken Riley Act will increase funding for border patrol agents, implement stricter penalties for those who enter the country illegally, and streamline the deportation process for individuals with criminal records.
Critics of the act argue that it unfairly targets immigrants and contributes to a culture of fear and division. However, supporters believe that it is necessary to protect national security and uphold the rule of law.
As the Laken Riley Act moves forward, it is likely to spark further debate and controversy surrounding immigration policy in the United States. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) has announced significant topline results from its Phase 2b SYMMETRY study evaluating efruxifermin (EFX) in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH. The study demonstrated statistically significant reversal of cirrhosis at Week 96:
– Among patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies, 39% of the 50mg EFX group showed ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, compared to 15% for placebo (24% effect size).
– In the Intent to Treat analysis, 29% of the 50mg EFX group demonstrated improvement, compared to 12% for placebo (17% effect size).
The study revealed stronger results in patients not taking GLP-1 at baseline, with 45% showing cirrhosis reversal in the 50mg group versus 17% for placebo. EFX was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal issues.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) ha annunciato risultati preliminari significativi dal suo studio di Fase 2b SYMMETRY che valuta efruxifermin (EFX) in pazienti con cirrosi compensata dovuta a MASH. Lo studio ha dimostrato una significativa inversione della cirrosi alla Settimana 96:
– Tra i pazienti con biopsie alla baseline e alla settimana 96, il 39% del gruppo EFX a 50mg ha mostrato un miglioramento di almeno 1 stadio nella fibrosi senza deterioramento della MASH, rispetto al 15% per il placebo (dimensione dell’effetto del 24%).
– Nell’analisi Intent to Treat, il 29% del gruppo EFX a 50mg ha dimostrato miglioramenti, rispetto al 12% per il placebo (dimensione dell’effetto del 17%).
Lo studio ha rivelato risultati più forti nei pazienti che non assumevano GLP-1 alla baseline, con il 45% che mostrava inversione della cirrosi nel gruppo a 50mg rispetto al 17% per il placebo. L’EFX è stato generalmente ben tollerato, con la maggior parte degli eventi avversi che si sono manifestati come problemi gastrointestinali di grado 1 o 2.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) ha anunciado resultados preliminares significativos de su estudio de Fase 2b SYMMETRY, que evalúa el efruxifermin (EFX) en pacientes con cirrosis compensada debida a MASH. El estudio demostró una reversión estadísticamente significativa de la cirrosis a la Semana 96:
– Entre los pacientes con biopsias en la línea base y en la semana 96, el 39% del grupo EFX de 50mg mostró una mejora de al menos 1 estadio en la fibrosis sin empeoramiento de MASH, en comparación con el 15% para el placebo (tamaño del efecto del 24%).
– En el análisis por intención de tratar, el 29% del grupo EFX de 50mg demostró mejora, en comparación con el 12% para el placebo (tamaño del efecto del 17%).
El estudio reveló resultados más sólidos en pacientes que no tomaban GLP-1 en la línea base, con un 45% mostrando reversión de la cirrosis en el grupo de 50mg frente al 17% para el placebo. El EFX fue generalmente bien tolerado, con la mayoría de los efectos adversos siendo problemas gastrointestinales de grado 1 o 2.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO)는 MASH로 인한 보상성 간경변증 환자를 대상으로 efruxifermin (EFX)의 2b 상기 SYMMETRY 연구에서 중요한 상위 결과를 발표했습니다. 이 연구는 96주에서 간경변증의 통계적으로 유의미한 역전을 보여주었습니다:
– 기저선 및 96주 생검이 있는 환자 중에서 50mg EFX 그룹의 39%가 MASH의 악화 없이 섬유화의 ≥1단계 개선을 보였으며, 이는 위약의 15%보다 높습니다 (효과 크기 24%).
– 치료 의도 분석에서는 50mg EFX 그룹의 29%가 개선을 보여주어, 위약의 12%에 비해 (효과 크기 17%) 개선되었습니다.
이 연구는 기저선에서 GLP-1을 복용하지 않은 환자에서 더 강한 결과를 보였으며, 50mg 그룹에서 간경변증이 역전된 비율은 45%, 위약군은 17%였습니다. EFX는 일반적으로 잘 견디며, 대부분의 이상반응은 1도 또는 2도의 위장 문제로 나타났습니다.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) a annoncé des résultats préliminaires significatifs de son étude de Phase 2b SYMMETRY évaluant l’efruxifermin (EFX) chez des patients atteints de cirrhose compensée due à MASH. L’étude a montré une inversion statistiquement significative de la cirrhose à la Semaine 96 :
– Parmi les patients ayant subi des biopsies à la base et à la semaine 96, 39% du groupe EFX à 50mg ont montré une amélioration d’au moins 1 stade dans la fibrose sans aggravation de MASH, par rapport à 15% pour le placebo (taille de l’effet de 24%).
– Dans l’analyse des intentions de traitement, 29% du groupe EFX à 50mg ont démontré une amélioration, par rapport à 12% pour le placebo (taille de l’effet de 17%).
L’étude a révélé des résultats plus solides chez les patients ne prenant pas de GLP-1 à la base, avec 45% montrant une inversion de la cirrhose dans le groupe à 50mg contre 17% pour le placebo. L’EFX a généralement été bien toléré, la plupart des effets indésirables étant des problèmes gastro-intestinaux de grade 1 ou 2.
Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) hat bedeutende vorläufige Ergebnisse aus seiner Phase-2b-Studie SYMMETRY veröffentlicht, die efruxifermin (EFX) bei Patienten mit kompensierter Zirrhose aufgrund von MASH bewertet. Die Studie zeigte eine statistisch signifikante Umkehrung der Zirrhose in Woche 96:
– Unter den Patienten mit Biopsien zu Beginn und in Woche 96 zeigten 39% der EFX-Gruppe mit 50mg eine Verbesserung um mindestens 1 Stadium in der Fibrose, ohne eine Verschlechterung von MASH im Vergleich zu 15% für das Placebo (Effektgröße von 24%).
– In der Analyse der Behandlungsabsicht demonstrierten 29% der EFX-Gruppe mit 50mg eine Verbesserung im Vergleich zu 12% für das Placebo (Effektgröße von 17%).
Die Studie ergab stärkere Ergebnisse bei Patienten, die zu Beginn kein GLP-1 einnahmen, wobei 45% in der EFX-Gruppe eine Umkehrung der Zirrhose zeigten im Vergleich zu 17% für das Placebo. EFX wurde im Allgemeinen gut vertragen, wobei die meisten unerwünschten Ereignisse Grad 1 oder 2 gastrointestinale Probleme waren.
Positive
Statistically significant reversal of cirrhosis in 39% of 50mg EFX group (p=0.009)
More than doubling of effect size from weeks 36 to 96 in 50mg group (10% to 24%)
45% cirrhosis reversal rate in non-GLP-1 patients with 50mg EFX
Favorable safety profile with no drug-related serious adverse events
Negative
Presence of gastrointestinal adverse events (diarrhea, nausea)
Lower efficacy in ITT analysis (29%) compared to completer analysis (39%)
Insights
The SYMMETRY trial results represent a potential watershed moment in MASH treatment. The 39% cirrhosis reversal rate in the 50mg EFX group (p=0.009) is unprecedented in the field of liver disease therapeutics. Even the more conservative ITT analysis showed a 29% response rate (p=0.031), maintaining statistical significance.
Several aspects make these results particularly compelling:
The doubling of effect size from weeks 36 to 96 (10% to 24%) suggests increasing benefits with longer treatment duration – critical for a chronic condition like MASH
The subgroup analysis excluding GLP-1 users showed an even more robust 45% response rate, differentiating EFX’s mechanism from popular weight-loss drugs
The biomarker data strongly supports the histological findings – particularly the 0.53-point reduction in ELF score and 24% reduction in liver stiffness for the 50mg group
The safety profile appears manageable, with primarily Grade 1-2 gastrointestinal events and no treatment-related serious adverse events. This favorable benefit-risk profile is important for a drug targeting chronic use in a large patient population.
These results are particularly significant given that compensated cirrhosis represents the most severe form of MASH before decompensation, where mortality risk increases dramatically. The ability to reverse cirrhosis could fundamentally alter the disease trajectory for these high-risk patients.
The SYMMETRY results position EFX as a potential first-in-class therapy for MASH cirrhosis, addressing a critical unmet need in a market with no approved treatments. The robust efficacy data, particularly in cirrhosis reversal, could support premium pricing and favorable reimbursement decisions.
Key market implications:
First-mover advantage in the high-value cirrhotic MASH segment, where patients face significant mortality risk
Differentiated positioning from GLP-1s, supported by superior efficacy in non-GLP-1 users (45% response rate)
Strong safety profile supporting chronic use, critical for market adoption and payer acceptance
Multiple supportive biomarkers that could facilitate real-world monitoring of treatment response
The data’s strength could support broad label claims and favorable positioning in treatment guidelines. The demonstrated benefits in cirrhosis reversal could justify premium pricing, particularly given the high costs associated with liver transplantation and complications of advanced liver disease.
Among patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies, 39% of the 50mg EFX group (p=0.009) demonstrated ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, representing a 24% effect size over placebo at 15%
By ITT analysis, with all missing week 96 biopsies treated as failures, 29% of the 50mg EFX group (p=0.031) demonstrated ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, representing a 17% effect size over placebo at 12%
Investor webcast at 8:00 am ET Monday, January 27, 2025
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKRO), a clinical-stage company developing transformational treatments for patients with serious metabolic disease marked by high unmet medical need, today released preliminary topline week 96 results from SYMMETRY, a Phase 2b study evaluating the efficacy and safety of its lead product candidate efruxifermin (EFX) in patients with biopsy-confirmed compensated cirrhosis (F4), Child-Pugh Class A, due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Among patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies (n=134), 39% of patients treated with 50mg EFX (n=46) (p=0.009) experienced reversal of cirrhosis with no worsening of MASH, compared to 15% for placebo (n=47). In the Intent to Treat (ITT) population (n=181), with all missing week 96 biopsies treated as failures, 29% of patients in the 50mg EFX group (n=63) (p=0.031) experienced reversal of cirrhosis with no worsening of MASH, compared to approximately 12% in the placebo group (n=61).
With more than a doubling of effect size from weeks 36 to 96 in the 50mg group (from 10% to 24%), the SYMMETRY study underscores the benefit of longer EFX treatment for patients with compensated cirrhosis (F4).
In a subgroup of patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies who were not taking GLP-1 at baseline (n=97), 45% in the 50mg EFX group experienced reversal of cirrhosis with no worsening of MASH (n=29) (p=0.009) compared to 17% for placebo (n=36), suggesting that the observed reversal of cirrhosis was not attributable to GLP-1 therapy.
“Until today, we’ve not had the prospect of an effective treatment for compensated cirrhosis due to MASH, which is associated with high rates of short-term morbidity and mortality,” said Mazen Nourredin, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Transplant Hepatologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, and principal investigator for the SYMMETRY study. “Now we have reason to be optimistic about the future potential of EFX as a much-needed treatment for cirrhosis, if approved. I’m so happy for my patients and patients all around the world.”
Summary of Week 96 Reversal of Cirrhosis Endpoint
Primary Analysis (N=134)1
ITT Analysis (N=181)2
Histology Endpoint3 (Proportion of Patients)
Placebo (N=47)
28mg (N=41)
50mg (N=46)
Placebo (N=61)
28mg (N=57)
50mg (N=63)
≥1 stage fibrosis improvement without worsening MASH (%)
15
29
39 **
12
21
29 *
1 All patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies 2 The 47 randomized and dosed patients who had missing biopsies at week 96 are treated as failures in the ITT analysis (without imputation) 3 Biopsies scored independently by two pathologists; third available to adjudicate (which was not required) * p<0.05, ** p<0.01, versus placebo (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test (CMH))
“We believe today’s first-ever public report of reversal of cirrhosis due to MASH, whether by completer or ITT analysis, sets EFX apart from other approved or investigational treatments in the MASH landscape as a compound with transformational potential,” said Andrew Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Akero. “We look forward to continuing evaluation of 50mg EFX in our ongoing Phase 3 SYNCHRONY Outcomes study in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH.”
The reversal of cirrhosis, as quantified by a consensus of two histopathologists, is supported by improvements in noninvasive measures of liver fibrosis and injury.
Summary of Week 96 Changes in Key Noninvasive Measures of Liver Fibrosis and Injury
Measure
(LS Mean Change From Baseline to Week 96)
Placebo (n=49)
28mg (n=40-41)
50mg (n=47)
ELF Score
+0.22
-0.34 ***
-0.53 ***
Liver Stiffness (%) (FibroScan)
-8
-18
-24 *
ALT (U/L)
-6.8
-10.5
-11.1
AST (U/L)
-1.6
-8.1
-11.2 **
* p<0.05, *** p<0.001, versus placebo (MMRM)
EFX was reported to be generally well-tolerated. There were no deaths on EFX, but one death in the placebo arm due to pneumonia. None of the Serious Adverse Events were determined to be related to study drug. Across both EFX groups, the most frequent adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2, gastrointestinal in origin (diarrhea, nausea, and increased appetite) and transient in nature.
Conference Call / Webcast Details Akero will host a conference call and webcast with slide presentation at 8:00 a.m. ET today. The live webcast will be available on the Events & Presentations page of Akero’s website, with the recording and presentation available immediately following the event.
About Cirrhosis Due to MASH Cirrhosis due to MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is a life-threatening disease with high risk of liver failure, cancer and eventually death. By 2030, an estimated 3 million Americans are projected to have MASH cirrhosis, which is the fastest growing cause of liver transplants and liver cancer in the United States and Europe.
About the SYMMETRY Study The Phase 2b SYMMETRY study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial in adult patients with biopsy-confirmed compensated cirrhosis (F4, Child-Pugh A) due to MASH. The study enrolled a total of 182 patients, randomized to receive once-weekly subcutaneous dosing of 28mg or 50mg EFX, or placebo for 36 weeks, 181 of whom received at least one study dose. The primary efficacy endpoint for the study was the proportion of patients who achieve at least one-stage fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH at week 36. Week 96 secondary measures included ≥1 stage fibrosis improvement and no worsening of MASH, MASH resolution, change from baseline in liver enzymes, noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis, glycemic control, and lipoproteins, as well as safety and tolerability measures.
About EFX Efruxifermin (EFX), Akero’s lead product candidate for MASH, is currently being evaluated in three ongoing Phase 3 studies. In multiple Phase 2 studies, EFX has been observed to reverse fibrosis (including compensated cirrhosis), resolve MASH, reduce non-invasive markers of fibrosis and liver injury, and improve insulin sensitivity and lipoprotein profile. This holistic profile offers the potential to address the complex, multi-system disease state of all stages of MASH, including improvements in lipoprotein risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death among MASH patients. Engineered to mimic the biological activity profile of native FGF21, EFX is designed to offer convenient once-weekly dosing and has been generally well-tolerated in clinical trials to date.
About Akero Therapeutics Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing transformational treatments for patients with serious metabolic diseases marked by high unmet medical need, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Akero’s lead product candidate, EFX, is currently being evaluated in three ongoing Phase 3 clinical studies: SYNCHRONY Histology in patients with pre-cirrhotic MASH (F2-F3 fibrosis), SYNCHRONY Outcomes in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH, and SYNCHRONY Real-World in patients with MASH or MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). The Phase 3 SYNCHRONY program builds on the results of two Phase 2b clinical trials, the HARMONY study in patients with pre-cirrhotic MASH and the SYMMETRY study in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH. Akero is headquartered in South San Francisco. Visit us at akerotx.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X for more information.
Forward Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Akero’s business plans and objectives, including future plans or expectations for EFX and ongoing clinical studies, the therapeutic effects of EFX, as well as the dosing, safety and tolerability of EFX; and the future potential of EFX following the preliminary topline week 96 results of Akero’s Phase 2b SYMMETRY study, which are subject to audit and verification procedures and additional data that could result in material changes in the final data. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include:; the success, cost, and timing of Akero’s product candidate development activities and planned clinical trials; Akero’s ability to execute on its strategy; positive results from a clinical study may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical studies; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; Akero’s ability to fund operations; as well as those risks and uncertainties set forth more fully under the caption “Risk Factors” in Akero’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties and other important factors in Akero’s other filings and reports with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Akero undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
What were the main results of Akero’s (AKRO) SYMMETRY Phase 2b study at Week 96?
The study showed 39% of patients in the 50mg EFX group achieved cirrhosis reversal compared to 15% for placebo, with a 24% effect size in patients with baseline and week 96 biopsies.
How did EFX perform in the Intent to Treat (ITT) analysis for AKRO’s SYMMETRY trial?
In the ITT analysis, 29% of patients in the 50mg EFX group showed cirrhosis reversal compared to 12% in placebo, representing a 17% effect size.
What were the safety results for EFX in Akero’s (AKRO) Phase 2b SYMMETRY study?
EFX was generally well-tolerated with no deaths and no drug-related serious adverse events. Most common side effects were grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal issues.
How did non-GLP-1 patients respond to EFX treatment in AKRO’s SYMMETRY trial?
Non-GLP-1 patients showed better results, with 45% in the 50mg EFX group achieving cirrhosis reversal compared to 17% for placebo.
Exciting news has emerged from Akero Therapeutics as their experimental drug, EFX, has demonstrated a remarkable 39% reversal of cirrhosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a Phase 2b trial.
Cirrhosis, a late-stage liver disease characterized by scarring and loss of liver function, is a major complication of NASH, a condition often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Currently, there are limited treatment options for NASH and cirrhosis, making Akero’s findings particularly promising.
The results of the trial, known as the MASH study, showed that patients treated with EFX experienced a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and improvement in liver function compared to those receiving a placebo. Additionally, EFX was well-tolerated by patients, with no serious adverse events reported.
These findings represent a significant breakthrough in the treatment of NASH and cirrhosis, offering hope to the millions of patients affected by these devastating conditions. Akero Therapeutics plans to continue studying EFX in larger clinical trials to further evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking research from Akero Therapeutics and the potential impact of EFX on patients with NASH and cirrhosis.
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