Eli Lilly Acquires Verve Therapeutics for $1.3 Billion to Revolutionize Cardiovascular Treatments

On June 17, Eli Lilly & Co. announced the acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, a gene-editing biotech firm, for $1.3 billion. The deal includes a $1 billion cash payment at $10.50 per share and an additional $3 per share contingent value right (CVR), making the total potential value approximately ₹11,000 crore.

Verve, a Nasdaq-listed company, is developing single-dose gene-editing medicines targeting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Its lead program, VERVE-102, focuses on silencing the PCSK9 gene, which plays a key role in cholesterol regulation. VERVE-102, currently in Phase 1b clinical trials, has received Fast Track designation from the US FDA.

This acquisition strengthens Lilly’s position in cardiometabolic disease and genetic medicine. Aiming to deliver lifelong cardiovascular risk reduction, Lilly plans to leverage Verve’s expertise to develop innovative treatments that require only one-time administration.

Verve’s pipeline also includes VERVE-201, targeting the ANGPTL3 gene to reduce triglycerides, and VERVE-301, which addresses lipoprotein(a), a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Lilly is set to finalize the transaction by Q3 2025, with plans to acquire any untendered shares via a second-step merger. The acquisition aligns with Lilly’s strategy to expand beyond traditional therapies and establish itself as a leader in gene-editing solutions for cardiovascular health.