Lilly Buying Verve for $1.3 Billion

In one of the largest acquisitions locally this year, Eli Lilly is buying Verve Therapeutics in a deal worth $1.3 billion. Boston-based Verve is a clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease. The transaction is expected to close in Q3.

Verve’s lead programs – VERVE-102, VERVE-201, and VERVE-301 – target the three lipoprotein drivers of atherosclerosis: low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and lipoprotein(a). VERVE-102 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial and has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. The therapy is designed to permanently turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver and is being developed initially for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and ultimately to treat patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

VERVE-201 is designed to permanently turn off the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver and is initially being developed for refractory hypercholesterolemia and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. VERVE-301 is designed to permanently turn off the LPA gene to reduce lipoprotein (a) levels. Lipoprotein (a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and aortic stenosis.

Verve has a pre-existing partnership with Lilly dating back to June 2023 when the companies entered into an exclusive research collaboration focused on advancing the VERVE-301 program. The relationship expanded further in October of that year. (Source: Verve Therapeutics Website, 17 June, 2025)