Lilly Acquires Verve Therapeutics

Eli Lilly and Company has acquired Verve Therapeutics Inc., a Boston-based clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease.

Verve’s lead program (VERVE-102) is a potential first-in-class in vivo gene editing medicine targeting PCSK9, a gene linked to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. The treatment may be applicable for people who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a subset of ASCVD that affects 1 in 250 people in the general population, as well as certain patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD). VERVE-102 is being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial study and has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“This acquisition unlocks the opportunity to potentially transform the treatment paradigm for millions of patients worldwide by delivering lifelong cardiovascular risk reduction with a one-and-done treatment,” said Ruth Gimeno, Lilly group vice president, Diabetes and Metabolic Research and Development. “We are excited to welcome Verve colleagues to Lilly and work together to develop innovative genetic medicines for cardiometabolic disease.”

Other Pharma Industry Acquisitions

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