The pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced its plan to acquire the biotechnology company 89bio for up to $3.5 billion. This decision is driven by Roche’s interest in a potentially revolutionary drug for liver diseases, called pegozafermin.
According to the terms of the deal, Roche will initially pay $2.4 billion, with an additional $1.1 billion to be paid in a series of milestone payments, which will depend on the drug’s commercial success.
Pegozafermin is a therapy currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, designed to treat patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), including those with non-cirrhotic and compensated cirrhosis. The drug has shown promising results in reducing both liver inflammation and fibrosis.
With this acquisition, Roche significantly strengthens its position in a medical field with a high need for new treatments. The deal is considered a crucial step in the fight against liver and metabolic diseases.
The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the last quarter of 2025.
