Eli Lilly Expands Cardiometabolic Portfolio with $1.3 Billion Verve Therapeutics Deal

U.S.-based pharmaceutical major Eli Lilly and Co. $LLY has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Verve Therapeutics Inc. $VERV, a clinical-stage biotech innovator focused on gene-editing therapies aimed at reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often labeled as “bad” cholesterol. The deal, valued at up to $1.3 billion, will see $1 billion paid upfront, with an additional $300 million contingent on clinical milestones. The acquisition underscores Eli Lilly’s intent to broaden its presence in the fast-growing cardiometabolic therapeutics sector, complementing its existing pipeline in diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health.

Deal Terms Reflect High Confidence in Long-Term Value

Under the terms of the agreement, Eli Lilly will pay up to $13.50 per share for Verve Therapeutics. This price represents a significant premium to Verve's previous closing price and reflects investor optimism about the long-term commercial viability of its CRISPR-based lipid-modifying therapies. Verve’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction. On the news, VERV shares surged nearly 80% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, June 17, suggesting strong market endorsement of both the valuation and the strategic rationale behind the acquisition.

Rationale Behind the Acquisition

The acquisition strengthens Eli Lilly’s cardiometabolic innovation strategy by adding Verve’s gene-editing platform and late-stage pipeline assets. Verve’s core programs target PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes—both validated mechanisms for lipid regulation.

The potential integration offers the following strategic advantages:

• Pipeline synergy with Lilly’s existing cardiovascular and metabolic assets;

• Acceleration of gene-editing capabilities through in-house expertise;

• Competitive positioning against rivals like Regeneron $REGN and Novartis $NVS in LDL-C reduction;

• Diversification beyond traditional small-molecule and peptide drugs;

• Strengthening of intellectual property portfolio in cardiogenetics.

Sector Implications and Market Response

This transaction comes amid growing pharmaceutical interest in precision medicine and one-time therapies. Gene-editing therapies, despite regulatory and cost-related challenges, are increasingly viewed as transformative tools for managing chronic conditions with genetic etiology.

The sharp market reaction, evidenced by Verve’s 80% surge, reflects heightened institutional interest in next-generation therapeutics. Moreover, the deal signals confidence that LDL-C gene therapies may soon transition from theoretical promise to clinical reality. For Eli Lilly, the acquisition aligns with a broader capital deployment strategy that balances near-term revenue generators like Mounjaro with longer-term bets in genomic medicine.