Roche has acquired 89bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for an undisclosed amount. This corporate transaction involves the outright purchase of 89bio by Roche, integrating 89bio’s pipeline into the global pharmaceutical firm.
89bio specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for liver and cardio-metabolic diseases. Its lead product candidate, BIO89-100, is an engineered glycoPEGylated analog of FGF21. This compound is currently in development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). Recent Phase 1b/2a data demonstrated that BIO89-100 achieved robust reductions in liver fat and key lipid markers in NASH patients, exhibiting a favorable safety and tolerability profile. BIO89-100 is also in a Phase 2 trial for SHTG.
The acquisition of 89bio by Roche represents a strategic move to bolster Roche's presence and pipeline in liver and cardio-metabolic diseases, areas with significant unmet medical need. 89bio’s promising clinical assets, particularly BIO89-100, are expected to benefit from Roche’s extensive resources, R&D capabilities, and global development expertise. Synergies are anticipated through the acceleration of clinical trials and potential commercialization of these therapies.
This integration is expected to advance the development and potential delivery of new treatment options for patients suffering from NASH and SHTG. The combined entity aims to leverage scientific knowledge and operational scale to bring innovative medicines to market more efficiently.