Key Takeaways
- Lilly Expands Gene Editing Portfolio with Verve Therapeutics Acquisition: The $1 billion deal includes VERVE-102, a first-in-class, in vivo gene editing candidate targeting PCSK9 for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Potential One-Time Treatment for High Cholesterol Patients: VERVE-102 is in Phase Ib trials and could shift the cardiovascular disease model from chronic care to a one-and-done gene therapy approach.
- Verve acquisition reflects Lilly’s broader strategic focus: The move follows recent acquisitions in oncology and pain management, reinforcing Lilly’s investment in next-generation, high-impact therapies.
Eli Lilly and Company announced that it has acquired Verve Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing in vivo gene editing medicines for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The company’s lead asset, VERVE-102, is designed to target the PCSK9 gene to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and may represent a one-time treatment option for certain high-risk cardiovascular patients.
Financial Terms and Closing Timeline
The acquisition, which reflects a 113% premium over Verve’s recent stock average, is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending customary conditions. Verve’s leadership and major stakeholders, representing 17.8% of shares, have agreed to support the deal, which Lilly will reflect in its financials upon closing. According to Lilly, the acquisition supports its commitment to advancing next-generation therapies for chronic diseases.1
Could VERVE-102 Transform Cardiovascular Care from Chronic to One-and-Done?
Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will pay $10.50 per share in cash at closing—totaling approximately $1 billion—with the potential for an additional $3 per share through a non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR). The CVR would be triggered by the initiation of a Phase III clinical trial for VERVE-102 in the United States.1
"VERVE-102 has the potential to be the first in vivo gene editing therapy for broad patient populations and could shift the treatment paradigm for cardiovascular disease from chronic care to one-and-done treatment," said Ruth Gimeno, group VP, diabetes and metabolic research and development, Lilly, in a press release. "Lilly is eager to welcome our Verve colleagues to Lilly and continue the development of these promising potential new medicines aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease and addressing the significant unmet medical need in this space."
VERVE-102’s Clinical Promise and Target Population
VERVE-102 is currently being evaluated in a Phase Ib clinical trial and has received Fast Track designation from the FDA. The therapy targets patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a subset of ASCVD, as well as certain individuals with premature coronary artery disease.1
Lilly's Broader Acquisition Strategy
This is Lilly’s latest move in an active year for business development. In May, the company announced an agreement to acquire SiteOne Therapeutics, a private biotech focused on non-opioid treatments for chronic pain, in a deal that could total up to $1 billion. That acquisition included STC-004, a Phase II–ready Nav1.8 sodium channel inhibitor.2 In January, Lilly also acquired STX-478, an investigational therapy for advanced solid tumors, from Scorpion Therapeutics.3
Verve’s Vision Aligns with Lilly’s Global Capabilities
"Verve was founded with one mission in mind: transform the treatment of cardiovascular disease from chronic care to a one-dose future," said Sekar Kathiresan, MD, co-founder, CEO, Verve Therapeutics, in the press release. "In just seven years, our team has progressed three in vivo gene editing products, with two currently in the clinic. Now, we will take the next steps in the drug development journey together with an ideal strategic partner in Lilly. Lilly shares our vision, and we believe their global research, clinical, regulatory and commercial capabilities will help to accelerate the development of our medicines. My deepest thanks to the entire Verve team for their expertise, creativity, and grit. We are grateful to the investigators and patients who have contributed to the success of our clinical trials so far. Under Lilly's stewardship, we are excited to realize the next chapter in cardiovascular care where a single treatment can lead to lifelong reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and make life better for millions of patients living with cardiovascular disease."
References
1. Lilly to acquire Verve Therapeutics to advance one-time treatments for people with high cardiovascular risk. Lilly. June 17, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-acquire-verve-therapeutics-advance-one-time-treatments
2. Roundup: Pharma Giants Expand Strategic Pipelines Through Targeted M&A and Partnerships. PharmExec. June 2, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/roundup-pharma-giants-expand-strategic-pipelines-through-targeted-m-a-partnerships
3. Flurry of Acquisitions and Licensing Deals Come Amid JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025. PharmExec. January 13, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/flurry-acquisitions-licensing-deals-come-amid-jp-morgan-healthcare-conference-2025
