89bio Appoints Biotech Industry Veteran, Martin Babler to its Board of Directors

SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2024 (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 cardiometabolic diseases, today announced the appointment of Martin Babler to its Board of Directors, effective April 13, 2024. Mr. Babler, a highly successful executive who brings valuable industry experience to 89bio, currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Alumis Therapeutics.

“As 89bio executes on its ongoing Phase 3 programs for pegozafermin, this is an opportune time to add an industry leader like Martin to our board,” said Rohan Palekar, Chief Executive Officer of 89bio. “Martin’s impressive track record for building and leading companies through commercialization will be invaluable to us at this stage in our development, and we look forward to leveraging his extensive experience and strategic insight to deliver on the full potential of pegozafermin.”

Mr. Babler brings over 30 years of pharmaceutical and biotech experience. Prior to his role at Alumis Therapeutics, he served as President and CEO of Principia Biopharma, until its acquisition by Sanofi S.A. in September 2020. Prior to Principia Biopharma, Mr. Babler served as President and CEO of Talima Therapeutics from 2007 to 2011. From 1998 to 2007, he held several positions at Genentech, most notably as Vice President, Immunology Sales and Marketing. While at Genentech, he also helped to build and lead the Commercial Development organization and led the Cardiovascular Marketing organization. Mr. Babler previously served at Eli Lilly and Company in positions focused on sales, sales management, global marketing, and business development. Mr. Babler currently serves on the Board of Directors of Prelude Therapeutics Inc., Sardona Therapeutics and the Emerging Companies Section Governing Board of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Babler received a Swiss Federal Diploma in Pharmacy from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and completed the Executive Development Program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.