Lilly to Acquire Verve Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment.

Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease. Verve's pipeline includes a gene editing medicine targeting PCSK9, a gene linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Lilly's experience in cardiometabolic disease and genetic medicines complements Verve's expertise. The acquisition aims to deliver lifelong cardiovascular risk reduction with a single dose.

Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease. The deal, valued at up to $1.3 billion, is a strategic expansion for Lilly into the promising field of cardiovascular gene editing [1].

Verve's lead program, VERVE-102, is a first-in-class in vivo gene editing treatment targeting PCSK9, a gene linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The therapy aims to provide lifelong cholesterol reduction with a single dose, a significant shift from current chronic treatment paradigms. VERVE-102 has already secured FDA Fast Track designation and is in Phase 1b clinical trials [2].

The acquisition aligns with Lilly's long-term strategic focus on high-impact, transformative therapies. Lilly's experience in cardiometabolic disease and genetic medicines complements Verve's expertise, creating a strong platform for future innovation. The deal structure includes an upfront payment of $10.50 per share, with a contingent value right worth up to $3.00 per share, potentially reaching $13.50 per share [2].

The acquisition price represents a 113% premium to Verve's 30-day volume-weighted average trading price, demonstrating Lilly's strong conviction in Verve's technology platform and pipeline potential. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2025 [2].

For Lilly, this acquisition enhances their cardiometabolic portfolio with potential first-in-class genetic medicines. The target market is significant, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia affecting approximately 1 in 250 people and additional patients with premature coronary artery disease [2].

The transaction reflects the accelerating pace of innovation in genetic medicine, where Verve has rapidly progressed from founding to multiple clinical candidates in just seven years. This speed-to-clinic capability makes them particularly valuable as pharma companies race to establish positions in genetic medicine [2].

The acquisition aims to deliver lifelong cardiovascular risk reduction with a single dose, potentially transforming treatment paradigms from chronic management to one-time interventions. The deal structure balances immediate value with milestone-based incentives tied to Phase 3 progression [2].

References:
[1] https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/lilly-talks-over-13b-deal-gene-editing-partner-verve-ft
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/LLY/lilly-to-acquire-verve-therapeutics-to-advance-one-time-treatments-vpkl9xweee77.html