The dash for MASH is gaining momentum, with Roche AG acquiring 89bio Inc. and its phase III FGF21 analogue, pegozafermin, for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, in a deal worth up to $3.5 billion. The Swiss pharma is to pay $14.50 per share, valuing San Francisco-based 89Bio at $2.4 billion, a premium of approximately 52% to 89bio’s 60-day average price on Sept. 17, 2025. Shares of 89bio (NASDAQ:ETNB) gained $6.88, or 85%, to close Sept. 18 at $14.96.
“People have some inability to focus on [Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s] pipeline,” which stands as “the most prolific in the industry, I would dare to say,” CEO Leonard Schleifer remarked during the Morgan Stanley health care conference Sept. 8. Most recently, Regeneron bragged on two prospects. The ultra-rare disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) took center stage Sept. 17 with news that the phase III Optima trial testing fully human monoclonal antibody garetosmab met its primary endpoint. Separately, Regeneron provided updated analyses of the phase II Courage trial that tested new pairings of GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide plus the anti-GDF8/anti-myostatin compound trevogrumab, with or without garetosmab, in obesity.
University of Notre Dame du Lac has disclosed peptide-drug conjugates, their hydrogels and their self-assembling nanofibers comprising glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) and/or gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and/or glucagon receptor agonists linked to an amphiphile moiety through a hydrophobic or hydrophilic-comprising linker acting as vaccine adjuvants reported to be useful for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Although cagrilintide from Novo Nordisk A/S proved less than impressive when paired with GLP-1 agonist semaglutide in a single drug known as Cagrisema, the dual long-acting amylin analogue and calcitonin receptor agonist is looking good as a monotherapy in a subanalysis of the phase III Redefine-1 trial.
Cantoni Therapeutics BV has announced the closing of additional financing to advance its lead asset into IND-enabling studies for obesity and its comorbidities. The company is developing small-molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a promising target for cardiometabolic diseases. Cantoni has also won a Novo Nordisk ValidatioNN grant supporting translational research work on the mode of action of NNMT inhibition.
Rona Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has announced an IND filing with the Australian Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for RN-3161 for obesity. RN-3161, a novel siRNA developed through Rona’s proprietary GAIA platform, targets INHBE to reduce fat while preserving lean mass.
Shanghai Yidi Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has divulged glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of diabetes.
Rezubio Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has disclosed drug conjugates comprising somatostatin receptor type 5 (SSTR5) antagonists covalently linked to a hydrophilic moiety through a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Among the emerging therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes (T2D), G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have demonstrated promise due to their complementary mechanisms of action. GPR119 agonists stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, while DPP-4 inhibitors enhance the duration of incretin hormone activity by preventing their degradation. Together, these mechanisms contribute to improved glycemic control in individuals with T2D.
Suzhou Puhe Biopharma Co. Ltd. has described apelin receptor (APLNR) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, sarcopenia and scleroderma.
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