Eli Lilly Acquires Verve Therapeutics for $1.3B

Eli Lilly has formally announced its acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, a gene-editing biotech focused on cardiovascular disease, in a deal valued at up to $1.3 billion. The transaction includes an upfront payment of $10.50 per share (around $1 billion) and an additional $3 per share contingent on Verve achieving clinical milestones, specifically the successful treatment of a patient with VERVE-102 in a Phase 3 trial for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Verve’s lead candidate, VERVE-102, is a one-time, in vivo gene-editing therapy targeting the PCSK9 gene to lower cholesterol, and it has received FDA Fast Track status. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2025 and has the support of Verve’s board and key shareholders. The deal represents a significant premium over Verve’s recent share price and aligns with Lilly’s strategy to expand its pipeline in gene-editing and heart therapies. Lilly's move highlights its commitment to advancing innovative medicines and potentially shifting cardiovascular care toward single-dose treatments.