Swiss healthcare giant Roche is acquiring US biotech 89bio for $3.5 billion (about CZK 72 billion) to strengthen its pipeline in treatments for liver and cardiometabolic diseases, including therapies for overweight and obesity. The deal was announced in a Thursday press release.

89bio’s lead candidate, pegozafermin, is an FGF21 analogue now in late-stage development for fatty liver disease—specified in the release as steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction—and is seen by Roche as an innovative asset for liver and cardiometabolic indications.

Roche, founded in Basel in 1896, reported revenue of $66.42 billion last year. 89bio, based in San Francisco, develops therapies for patients with liver and cardiometabolic disorders for which there are currently limited optimal treatments. #Roche #89bio #obesity #FGF21 #FiatNews