89bio

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in January 2018, 89bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with 51–200 employees. The company has raised a total of $1.15 billion across 8 funding rounds from 4 investors. In September 2025, 89bio was acquired by Roche.

Business overview

89bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for liver and cardio-metabolic diseases. Its lead product candidate, pegozafermin (BIO89-100), is an investigational glycopegylated FGF21 analog. This therapy is being evaluated for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), targeting FGF21 to regulate energy expenditure and glucose and lipid metabolism. The company operates within the Health Tech & Life Sciences sector, specifically in Pharmaceuticals, addressing patients with gastroenterological conditions.

Strategic signal

In September 2025, 89bio was acquired by Roche for up to $3.5 billion, including an upfront payment of $2.4 billion. This acquisition highlights the significant value placed on 89bio's lead product candidate, pegozafermin, a late-stage MASH drug, and signals a strategic move by Roche to expand its portfolio in obesity-tied diseases and liver treatments. The deal validates 89bio's therapeutic approach and provides a strong exit for investors, indicating continued interest in innovative treatments for metabolic and liver disorders within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the most significant recent corporate development for 89bio?

In September 2025, 89bio was acquired by Roche for up to $3.5 billion, including an upfront payment of $2.4 billion. This acquisition integrates 89bio's late-stage MASH drug into Roche's pipeline.

What was the outcome of the public offering in January 2025?

In January 2025, 89bio announced the pricing of a $250 million public offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants on NASDAQ.

What was the outcome of the public offering in November 2024?

In November 2024, 89bio announced the upsized pricing of a $125 million public offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants on NASDAQ.

What was a key regulatory milestone for 89bio's lead product?

In September 2023, the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for pegozafermin in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), indicating its potential to address a serious condition with unmet medical needs.

Which investors participated in 89bio's initial funding round?

In October 2018, 89bio secured its initial funding round with participation from investors including OrbiMed and RA Capital Management.