Roche's Acquisition of 89bio: Crafting a Synergistic Metabolic Portfolio Beyond GLP-1 Agonist Competition
Roche Holding AG, a multinational healthcare company (OTCQX:RHHBY), has announced its intention to acquire 89bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETNB), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of treatments for cardiometabolic diseases. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
The acquisition focuses on the drug pegozafermin, which is being developed for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. Pegozafermin is described as a potential treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver condition that affects millions worldwide.
The terms of the acquisition, including the purchase price, have not been disclosed. However, this move is seen as a continuation of Roche's commitment to investing in innovative treatments for cardiometabolic diseases.
The German Centers for Health Research (Deutschen Zentren der Gesundheitsforschung, DZG) have recently committed to a dual approach targeting diseases of the cardiovascular system and metabolic organs. This decision was publicized around September 2025 during events such as the "1. DZG North Day" held at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) on September 18, 2025.
The acquisition of 89bio is expected to strengthen Roche's portfolio in the field of cardiometabolic diseases, providing them with a promising new treatment option for NASH and other related conditions.
This article does not provide new self-contained facts but serves as an introduction to the acquisition, highlighting its potential impact on the treatment landscape for cardiometabolic diseases.
