In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the liver disease treatment market, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced its acquisition of U.S.-based biotech firm 89bio for up to $3.5 billion. The deal, which includes $14.50 per share in cash and potential milestone payments of up to $6.00 per share, underscores Roche’s commitment to addressing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, particularly those linked to obesity. 89bio’s flagship drug, pegozafermin, an FGF21 analogue, is in advanced stages of development for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of fatty liver disease. Roche’s acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to complement its growing weight-loss drug portfolio, which includes recent deals with Zealand Pharma and Carmot Therapeutics. Teresa Graham, head of Roche’s pharmaceutical division, highlighted the potential of pegozafermin to achieve ‘best-in-disease efficacy’ and its suitability for combination therapies with weight-loss drugs. The move also positions Roche to compete with industry leaders like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who are exploring the use of GLP-1 treatments for liver disease. This acquisition reflects the intensifying race among pharmaceutical companies to innovate in the rapidly expanding fields of obesity and metabolic health.