89bio Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Rhea-AI Summary

89bio (Nasdaq: ETNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on liver and cardiometabolic disease therapies, announced the approval of inducement grants for three new employees. The Compensation Committee approved non-qualified stock options to purchase 64,750 shares of common stock on September 1, 2025.

The grants, made under the company's 2023 Inducement Plan, will vest over four years, with 25% vesting after one year and the remainder vesting in 12 quarterly installments. The exercise price equals the closing price of 89bio's stock on the grant date. These grants comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and serve as employment inducements.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 89bio, Inc. (the “Company” or “89bio”) (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 that the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 64,750 shares of the Company’s common stock to three new employees (the “Inducement Grants”) on September 1, 2025 (the “Grant Date”). The Inducement Grants have been granted pursuant to the Company’s 2023 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”). The Inducement Grants were granted as an inducement material to these individuals entering into employment with 89bio in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The Inducement Grants have an exercise price per share that is equal to the closing price of 89bio’s common stock on the Grant Date. The Inducement Grants will vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the employee’s start date, and thereafter the remainder of the shares vest in 12 equal quarterly installments, subject to each employee’s continued employment with 89bio through the applicable vesting dates.

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 in Phase 3 trials for its lead candidate, pegozafermin, for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with advanced fibrosis, including patients with compensated cirrhosis, and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). Pegozafermin 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. For more information, visit www.89bio.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:
Annie Chang
89bio, Inc.
investors@89bio.com

Eva Bilange
89bio, Inc.
eva.bilange@89bio.com

Media Contact:
Sheryl Seapy
Real Chemistry
sseapy@realchemistry.com

FAQ

What stock options did 89bio (ETNB) grant to new employees in September 2025?

89bio granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 64,750 shares of common stock to three new employees on September 1, 2025.

What is the vesting schedule for 89bio's September 2025 inducement grants?

The grants vest over 4 years, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining shares vesting in 12 equal quarterly installments.

Why did 89bio (ETNB) issue these stock options in September 2025?

The stock options were granted as inducement awards to attract new employees, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

What is the exercise price for 89bio's September 2025 inducement grants?

The exercise price equals the closing price of 89bio's common stock on the grant date of September 1, 2025.