ISTANBUL

Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has agreed to acquire US biotechnology company 89bio for $3.5 billion to expand its liver disease portfolio.

Roche announced that San Francisco-based 89bio has accepted the Swiss company's offer of $14.50 in cash per share.

This brings the value of the deal to approximately $2.4 billion, while shareholders will receive a "non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR)" of up to $6 per share. This brings Roche's total acquisition value to $3.5 billion.

"89bio’s pegozafermin is a FGF21 analog currently in late-stage development for MASH in moderate and severe fibrotic patients (F2 and F3 stages) as well as cirrhotic patients (F4 stage). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025," Roche said in a statement.

This acquisition underscores Roche’s dedication to advancing innovative therapies in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases (CVRM), especially for patients affected by overweight, obesity, and related health challenges such as MASH, according to the statement.

Pegozafermin offers a distinct mechanism of action that not only holds the potential for enhanced efficacy and tolerability but also unlocks opportunities for future combination development with incretins, creating synergies with Roche’s CVRM portfolio.

"Acquiring 89bio, therefore, fosters Roche’s activities to build a robust and differentiated pipeline that targets additional causes of metabolic disease," Roche added.