Eli Lilly is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a gene-editing biotech firm, in a deal that could reach $1.3 billion. This move aligns with Lilly’s strategy to expand its portfolio of experimental therapies.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the pharmaceutical giant may pay nearly $1 billion upfront, with an additional $300 million contingent on Verve meeting specific clinical milestones. The proposed acquisition would value Verve at roughly twice its current stock price. As of Monday’s market close, the Boston-based biotech had a market capitalisation just under $559 million.
While neither Eli Lilly nor Verve have officially commented, the deal could be announced within the week—pending the finalisation of talks.
This potential acquisition comes at a time when dealmaking in the pharmaceutical sector has slowed. Despite the looming expiration of high-revenue drug patents, many major drugmakers have been hesitant to pursue large-scale mergers and acquisitions.
Eli Lilly has maintained a targeted acquisition strategy, prioritizing experimental therapies over fully commercialized drugs. Earlier this year, the pharma giant announced deals worth up to $2.5 billion with cancer-focused biotech Scorpion Therapeutics and up to $1 billion with SiteOne Therapeutics, which specializes in pain management.
Verve Therapeutics, which already has a collaborative agreement with Lilly, recently shared encouraging phase-one clinical trial results for its lead gene-editing therapy aimed at lowering cholesterol.
Eli Lilly’s potential $1.3 billion acquisition of Verve Therapeutics underscores its strategic focus on early-stage innovation and next-generation therapies. By selectively investing in experimental treatments—like Verve’s gene-editing therapy for cholesterol—Lilly aims to strengthen its pipeline amid industry-wide caution on large-scale M&A. If finalized, the deal would not only deepen Lilly’s presence in the gene-editing space but also signal continued momentum in biotech dealmaking despite broader market hesitancy.
