Abivax shares rise 10.44% premarket as M&A speculation intensifies with Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca reported interest.

Abivax surged 10.44% in premarket trading driven by renewed M&A speculation and positive drug development updates. The stock’s rise followed reports of interest from Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca, with a rumored €15B acquisition bid cited as a key catalyst. Analysts highlighted obefazimod’s phase 3 data for ulcerative colitis and preclinical anti-fibrotic potential in Crohn’s disease, which expand its total addressable market. Strong cash reserves (€589.7M through 2027) and 22 ECCO 2026 abstract acceptances further reinforced the company’s commercialization readiness. While post-market declines were reported earlier, premarket momentum reflects optimism around strategic takeout potential and obefazimod’s differentiation in a $10B+ market.