Verve Therapeutics Soars on Eli Lilly Acquisition Driven by VERVE-102 Program

Verve Therapeutics $VERV surged by over 80% this week after entering into a definitive agreement with Eli Lilly $LLY. The deal centers on the experimental cardiovascular therapy VERVE-102, positioning Lilly to deepen its role in gene-editing innovations targeting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Deal Specifics: Cash Offer Plus Milestone-Based CVR

Lilly will acquire Verve for $10.50 per share in cash. In addition, Verve shareholders will receive a Contingent Value Right (CVR) worth up to $3.00 per share, payable if a U.S.-based Phase 3 trial for VERVE-102 begins dosing by the tenth anniversary of deal closure or earlier. The CVR component ties a portion of the acquisition cost to the successful clinical progression of VERVE-102, aligning financial outcomes with therapeutic milestones.

VERVE-102: A Strategic Bet on Gene Editing for Heart Disease

VERVE-102 builds on Verve’s prior base-editing platform and is designed to disable the PCSK9 gene, offering a single-dose treatment for elevated LDL cholesterol, a primary driver of ASCVD. This approach could reshape cardiovascular care by replacing lifelong medication regimens with a durable genomic intervention.

For Eli Lilly, the acquisition secures an early stake in the gene-editing cardiovascular therapy space, a field gaining momentum as pharmaceutical companies pivot from chronic symptom management toward curative platforms.

Market Response and Investment Signals

Investors responded sharply to the announcement:

• VERV shares jumped 80.5% on the week;

• Wednesday’s session alone delivered a 33% gain following Senate progress on stablecoin legislation;

• Circle’s IPO momentum and biotech M&A sentiment contributed to upward momentum;

• The stock is now up over 500% since its IPO on June 5.

Meanwhile, LLY shares remained stable, reflecting market confidence in the deal’s strategic fit and milestone-dependent structure, which limits financial exposure.

Strategic Context: Lilly’s Broader Innovation Play

Lilly’s pursuit of VERVE-102 supports a larger shift toward genomic solutions in cardiology. By targeting a validated mechanism (PCSK9), the company enhances its R&D portfolio while minimizing scientific risk. The acquisition also complements existing Lilly efforts in cardiovascular disease, which include partnerships, internal pipeline assets, and growing interest in precision medicine to address major unmet needs.