Roche has agreed to acquire 89bio for up to $3.5 billion, securing the late-stage fatty liver disease drug candidate pegozafermin. This glycopegylated fibroblast growth factor 21 analogue, currently in two Phase 3 studies, targets metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The deal reinforces Roche’s commitment to cardiometabolic diseases, joining a competitive landscape after recent approvals for MASH treatments. 89bio’s pegozafermin aims to reduce liver fibrosis, a core challenge in MASH progression. The acquisition includes upfront and contingent milestone payments, underlining Roche’s strategic investment in novel metabolic therapies.