Verve Therapeutics Elevates Gene-Editing with Eli Lilly Acquisition

Deal News | Jun 17, 2025 | EIN

Verve Therapeutics Elevates Gene-Editing with Eli Lilly Acquisition

Eli Lilly, a major U.S. pharmaceutical company, has announced its intention to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm specializing in gene-editing medicines, for up to $1.3 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance Lilly's cardiometabolic and genetic medicine capabilities, particularly in addressing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The deal involves a tender offer for outstanding shares at $10.50 per share, with a potential non-tradeable contingent value right of an additional $3 per share. Verve's lead program, VERVE-102, focuses on gene-editing to inhibit the PCSK9 gene, aiding in cholesterol regulation to reduce heart disease risk. Lilly hopes to complete the transaction by the third quarter of 2025, further establishing itself in the cardiovascular therapy market.

Sectors

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Biotechnology
  • Healthcare

Geography

  • United States – Both Eli Lilly and Verve Therapeutics are based in the United States, making this geography critical to the article.

Industry

  • Pharmaceuticals – The article discusses Eli Lilly's acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, indicating activity within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Biotechnology – Verve Therapeutics operates within the biotechnology sector, focusing on gene-editing technologies for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Healthcare – The focus on cardiovascular diseases and gene-editing technologies situates this within the broader healthcare sector.

Financials

  • 1.3 billion USD – The total potential value of Eli Lilly's acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, including contingent value rights.
  • 1 billion USD – Initial cash payment for the acquisition of outstanding shares at $10.50 per share.
  • 3 USD per share – Additional contingent value right (CVR) per share, potentially increasing the deal value.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Eli LillyAcquirerCompanyA major U.S. pharmaceutical company acquiring Verve Therapeutics to enhance its cardiometabolic capabilities.
Verve TherapeuticsTarget CompanyCompanyA biotech firm specializing in gene-editing therapies for cardiovascular diseases.