Lilly expands into genetic medicines with Verve's in vivo gene-editing therapies, aiming to replace chronic cardiovascular treatments with single-dose care.
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Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verve Therapeutics (Verve), a Boston-based biotechnology firm developing gene-editing therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1). The acquisition highlights growing industry momentum toward single-course genetic medicines that aim to address the root causes of disease with durable, potentially lifelong effects.
Verve’s lead investigational treatment, VERVE-102, is designed to permanently switch off the PCSK9 gene in the liver, a key regulator of cholesterol levels. Therapies targeting the gene may benefit patients with inherited high cholesterol and others at risk for early-onset coronary artery disease. VERVE-102 is currently being studied in an early-stage clinical trial and has received Fast Track designation from FDA (2).
·Lilly acquisition of Verve signals strong pharma investment in one-time gene-editing therapies for cardiovascular disease treatment.
·The $1.3B deal highlights growing momentum in developing in vivo gene-editing medicines for inherited and early-onset cardiovascular conditions.
·VERVE-102, a gene editing therapy targeting PCSK9, could shift cardiovascular care from chronic treatment to single-dose intervention.
“VERVE-102 has the potential to be the first in vivo gene editing therapy for broad patient populations and could shift the treatment paradigm for cardiovascular disease from chronic care to one-and-done treatment,” said Ruth Gimeno, PhD, Lilly’s group vice president of Diabetes and Metabolic Research and Development (1). “Lilly is eager to welcome our Verve colleagues to Lilly and continue the development of these promising potential new medicines aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease and addressing the significant unmet medical need in this space.”
Verve has spent the last seven years building a pipeline of gene-editing treatments aimed at the underlying genetic drivers of CVD (1). In addition to PCSK9 efforts, the company is advancing therapies to silence the ANGPTL3 and LPA genes that contribute to elevated triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) levels, both of which are established risk factors for cardiovascular events.
“Verve was founded with one mission in mind: transform the treatment of cardiovascular disease from chronic care to a one-dose future,” said Sekar Kathiresan, MD, co-founder and chief executive officer of Verve (1). “In just seven years, our team has progressed three in vivo gene editing products, with two currently in the clinic. Now, we will take the next steps in the drug development journey together with an ideal strategic partner in Lilly.”
Kathiresan continued, “Lilly shares our vision, and we believe their global research, clinical, regulatory and commercial capabilities will help to accelerate the development of our medicines. My deepest thanks to the entire Verve team for their expertise, creativity, and grit. We are grateful to the investigators and patients who have contributed to the success of our clinical trials so far. Under Lilly's stewardship, we are excited to realize the next chapter in cardiovascular care where a single treatment can lead to lifelong reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and make life better for millions of patients living with cardiovascular disease.”
Under the agreement, Lilly will begin a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Verve at a price of $10.50 per share in cash (1), representing a purchase price of approximately $1.0 billion at closing. Each share also includes a non-tradeable contingent value right that entitles holders to an additional payment of up to $3.00 per share if a patient is dosed with VERVE-102 in a US-based, late-stage clinical trial within 10 years of the transaction’s closing. This brings the total potential value of the deal to about $1.3 billion. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
To support the transaction, several of Verve’s largest shareholders have agreed to tender their shares. Collectively, these agreements represent about 17.8% of Verve’s outstanding common stock. Any remaining shares not tendered in the offer will be acquired through a second-step merger at the same price and terms. Lilly will determine how the acquisition is accounted for under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles once the transaction is finalized. Financial impacts will be reflected in the company’s future earnings and guidance.
References
Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly to Acquire Verve Therapeutics to Advance One-Time Treatments for People with High Cardiovascular Risk. Press Release. June 17, 2025.
Verve Therapeutics. Verve Therapeutics Receives US FDA Fast Track Designation for VERVE-102, an In Vivo Base Editing Medicine Targeting PCSK9. Press Release. April 11, 2025.
