Why are Verve's R&D expenses rising sharply in 2024?

Verve Therapeutics' R&D expenses are rising sharply in 2024 due to several key factors: 1. **Increase in Research Services**: The company's R&D expenses have increased significantly due to more research services performed under collaboration agreements with companies like Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly. This has led to a rise in collaboration revenue, which grew from $2.1 million in Q2 2023 to $6.7 million in Q2 2024. 2. **Cost Reimbursements**: In addition to research services, cost reimbursements have also contributed to the increase in R&D expenses. 3. **Clinical Trial Progress**: The company's clinical trial activities, such as the Heart-2 Phase 1b clinical trial for VERVE-102 and the Phase 1b clinical trial for VERVE-201, have intensified, leading to higher expenses. 4. **Regulatory Clearances**: Obtaining regulatory clearances in countries like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. for their clinical trials has added to the R&D expenses. These factors combined have led to a substantial rise in Verve's R&D expenses in 2024, highlighting the company's ongoing efforts to advance its pipeline and collaborate with partners to develop genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease.