Roche has agreed to acquire 89bio, a US-Israeli biotech company developing advanced liver disease treatments, in a deal worth up to US$3.5 billion.

Founded in Israel in 2018 and now based in the US, 89bio focuses on therapies for metabolic and liver disorders and operates an R&D center in Israel.

Roche will pay US$14.50 per share in cash, valuing the deal at about US$2.4 billion upfront, with an additional US$6 per share possible if certain milestones are met.

The acquisition centers on 89bio’s lead drug candidate, pegozafermin, which is in late-stage trials for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a progressive fatty liver disease linked to obesity.

Roche said it may also test pegozafermin in combination with its other weight-loss drug candidates.

This move follows Roche’s recent activity in the metabolic and obesity treatment sector, including its acquisition of Carmot, and a deal with Zealand Pharma for rights to an obesity treatment.

🔗 Source: Calcalist