SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 89bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ETNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of liver and cardio-metabolic diseases, today reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

“In the third quarter of 2021, we took important steps to advance our ongoing clinical development program for BIO89-100: a highly differentiated FGF21 analog with a validated and potentially transformational profile for patients suffering from NASH and SHTG,” said Rohan Palekar, Chief Executive Officer of 89bio. “With multiple ongoing studies in these indications, we look forward to reporting data from our open-label histology cohort in NASH patients in early to mid-January 2022 and our proof-of-concept study in SHTG in the first half of 2022. Additionally, we continue to make progress on the ENLIVEN Phase 2b study in NASH patients with F2 and F3 fibrosis.”

Recent Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

Report topline data from the open-label histology cohort in biopsy-confirmed fibrosis stage F2 – F3 NASH patients in early to mid-January 2022. The paired-biopsy, open-label histology cohort is an expansion of the Phase 1b/2a trial of BIO89-100 in NASH. In this cohort, biopsy-confirmed NASH patients are treated for 20 weeks with 27 mg of BIO89-100 once weekly. This cohort is intended to support both the clinical utility of BIO89-100 and our overall clinical development strategy in NASH.

Report topline data from the Phase 2 ENTRIGUE trial of BIO89-100 in severe hypertriglyceridemia patients in the first half of 2022. Recently presented data at the National Lipid Association (NLA) meeting in September showed patients with SHTG also had high levels of liver fat by MRI-PDFF (mean = 20%; n=14 in this sub-analysis) underscoring the potential of BIO89-100 to address the broader metabolic dysregulation seen in this patient population.

Present new analyses from the Phase 1b/2a NASH trial of BIO89-100 showing beneficial effects on spleen volume in an oral presentation at AASLD’s The Liver Meeting 2021. Data from a sub-analysis looking at the correlation of liver fat and spleen volume suggests BIO89-100 can reduce spleen volume (abstract #139). A poster with new data on population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BIO89-100 that helped inform the dose selection for ENLIVEN will also be presented (abstract # 1931).

Continue to enroll patients in the ENLIVEN Phase 2b trial of BIO89-100 for the treatment of NASH. ENLIVEN is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BIO89-100 for the treatment of patients with fibrosis stage F2 - F3 NASH.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Cash Position. As of September 30, 2021, 89bio had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $157.4 million.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses. R&D expenses were $23.6 million and $49.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to $11.2 million and $27.4 million for the comparable periods in 2020, respectively. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by increases in clinical development, contract manufacturing, and personnel expenses. 

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses. G&A expenses were $4.6 million and $14.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to $3.2 million and $9.4 million for the comparable periods in 2020, respectively. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to an increase in costs related to personnel expenses, insurance-related expenses, and expenses for professional services.

Net Loss. 89bio reported a net loss of $28.3 million and $63.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to a net loss of $14.6 million and $36.9 million for the comparable periods in 2020, respectively. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to increased R&D expenses for our programs and increased G&A expenses associated with our growth and operating as a public company.

About 89bio 
89bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of best-in-class therapies for patients with liver and cardiometabolic diseases who lack optimal treatment options. The company is focused on rapidly advancing its lead candidate, BIO89-100, through clinical development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). BIO89-100 is a specifically engineered, potentially best-in-class fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog with unique glycoPEGylated technology that optimizes biological activity through an extended half-life. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with operations in Herzliya, Israel. For more information, visit www.89bio.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the therapeutic potential and clinical benefits of BIO89-100, clinical development plans and timing for BIO89-100, including the Phase 2b ENLIVEN trial and Phase 2 ENTRIGUE trial, the expected trial design for the ENLIVEN trial and the ENTRIGUE trial, including patient enrollment, dosing schedules and trial endpoints, and the timing for topline data for the open-label histology cohort and the Phase 2 ENTRIGUE trial. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "objective," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "expect," "believe," "design," "estimate," "predict," "potential," “anticipate,” “goal,” “opportunity,” "develop," "plan" or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward looking statements. While 89bio believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, those set forth in 89bio's filings with the SEC), many of which are beyond 89bio's control and subject to change. Actual results could be materially different. Risks and uncertainties include: expectations regarding the timing and outcome of 89bio’s initiation of the Phase 2b ENLIVEN trial in NASH and Phase 2 ENTRIGUE trial in SHTG; expectations regarding the timing of topline data; 89bio’s ability to execute on its strategy; positive results from a clinical study may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical studies; 89bio’s substantial dependence on the success of it lead product candidate; competition from competing products; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on 89bio’s clinical trials and business operations, and the impact of general economic, health, industrial or political conditions in the United States or internationally; and other risks and uncertainties identified in 89bio's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and other subsequent disclosure documents filed with the SEC. 89bio claims the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. 89bio expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Contact: 
Ryan Martins 
Chief Financial Officer 
investors@89bio.com 

Media Contact: 
Peter Duckler 
773-343-3069 
pduckler@w2ogroup.com 

Source: 89bio, Inc.