Eli Lilly to Acquire Gene-Editing Startup Verve Therapeutics for $1.3 Billion
By Christy Santhosh and Sriparna Roy
In a strategic move to expand its presence in experimental cardiovascular therapies, Eli Lilly has announced its acquisition of gene-editing startup Verve Therapeutics for up to $1.3 billion. The two companies have been collaborating on the development of one-time, gene-editing therapies aimed at reducing high cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. This partnership reflects Lilly’s commitment to exploring new avenues for growth beyond its established weight-loss and diabetes drug portfolio.
The acquisition offer from Eli Lilly amounts to $10.5 per Verve share, representing a premium of 67.5% over the stock’s previous closing price. Following the announcement, shares of Verve surged by 75% to $11.02 in early trading, underscoring investor enthusiasm for the deal.
According to reports from The Financial Times, discussions between Eli Lilly and Verve had been ongoing prior to the official announcement. The terms of the agreement include an upfront payment of nearly $1 billion, with an additional $300 million contingent on Verve achieving specific clinical milestones.
While some analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the market demand for genetic medicines targeting cholesterol-related conditions, the acquisition is seen as a significant win for Verve and other players in the gene-editing sector. Despite a recent decline in investor interest in gene-editing technologies, the deal underscores Lilly’s strategic focus on cardiometabolic diseases, aligning with its existing offerings in diabetes and weight-loss treatments.
Verve’s pipeline includes promising therapies such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are projected to generate combined sales exceeding $30 billion this year. The company’s lead therapy, VERVE-102, targets the PCSK9 gene associated with cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, with plans for a potential launch in the coming decade.
Utilizing a cutting-edge form of gene editing called base editing, Verve’s therapies aim to introduce permanent changes to patients’ DNA. As the company progresses through early-stage trials, its innovative approach to addressing cardiovascular conditions positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of genetic medicine.
Overall, the acquisition of Verve Therapeutics by Eli Lilly signifies a strategic move towards advancing novel therapies in cardiovascular health. With a focus on genetic interventions and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, the collaboration between these two companies holds promise for the future of precision medicine.
This article was reported by Ananya Palyekar, Christy Santhosh, Puyaan Singh, and Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru, with editing by Alan Barona and Pooja Desai.
