Eli Lilly has officially acquired Verve Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company specializing in in vivo gene editing for cardiovascular disease. The deal, announced on July 25, 2025, is valued at up to $1.3 billion.
It includes an upfront cash payment of $10.50 per share and a contingent value right (CVR) that may provide an additional $3.00 per share if Verve’s lead candidate reaches a U.S. Phase 3 trial within ten years.
This acquisition gives Lilly full control over a pipeline of gene-editing therapies designed to permanently reduce the risk of heart disease through a one-time treatment approach. The deal reflects Lilly’s broader commitment to building a next-generation portfolio of genetic medicines.
Verve’s lead program VERVE-102 targets PCSK9 for LDL reduction
The centerpiece of the acquisition is VERVE-102, an experimental single-dose gene-editing treatment that uses base editing to turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver. PCSK9 plays a key role in regulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a major risk factor for heart disease.
In a Phase 1b clinical trial, VERVE-102 showed promising results. A single infusion of the therapy reduced LDL-C by more than 50% in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a genetic disorder that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events reported.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to VERVE-102 in early 2025, highlighting its potential to address a significant unmet need in cardiovascular care.
Lilly gains a full pipeline of gene-editing candidates for heart disease
In addition to VERVE-102, the acquisition brings Lilly access to Verve’s broader pipeline of gene-editing therapies targeting key cardiovascular risk genes:
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VERVE-201 aims to silence ANGPTL3, a gene linked to high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia.
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VERVE-301 is designed to deactivate the LPA gene, which contributes to elevated lipoprotein(a), a genetic and independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.
These programs use base editing and lipid nanoparticle delivery—technologies that allow precise and permanent changes to liver cells with a single intravenous dose. Lilly plans to integrate these therapies into its long-term strategy for reducing the global burden of heart disease through precision medicine.
Strategic rationale focuses on long-term transformation of heart disease care
Eli Lilly’s leadership sees this acquisition as a transformative step toward replacing lifelong medication regimens with durable, one-time treatments. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and many patients require decades of statins or other therapies to manage their cholesterol levels.
By investing in permanent gene editing, Lilly aims to deliver a new standard of care that can treat the underlying genetic drivers of disease rather than just managing symptoms.
Ruth Gimeno, Lilly’s group vice president of diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic research, stated that these one-time treatments have the potential to shift how the world treats cardiovascular disease. She also emphasized that Verve’s platform aligns well with Lilly’s existing R&D capabilities.
Verve’s leadership expresses confidence in accelerated development under Lilly
Verve’s CEO, Dr. Sekar Kathiresan, praised the acquisition as a natural next step for the company. He noted that Lilly brings global scale, deep regulatory experience, and the resources needed to bring Verve’s therapies to more patients worldwide.
Dr. Kathiresan also emphasized the shared mission between the two companies: to develop transformative medicines that can eliminate the root causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through advanced science.
Acquisition includes risk-sharing CVR based on clinical milestone
The transaction structure includes a risk-sharing element through a contingent value right. If VERVE-102 reaches a U.S. Phase 3 clinical trial within ten years of the deal closing, shareholders will receive an additional $3.00 per share. This brings the potential total consideration to $13.50 per share, or approximately $1.3 billion in total deal value.
Analysts view the CVR as a smart move that protects Lilly from overpaying in the short term while rewarding Verve’s shareholders if the lead therapy advances successfully.
FAQs
What is Verve Therapeutics?
Verve Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops gene-editing therapies to permanently treat cardiovascular diseases. The company uses base editing and lipid nanoparticle delivery to turn off disease-causing genes in the liver with a single treatment.
What did Lilly acquire in this deal?
Lilly acquired Verve’s full pipeline, including VERVE-102 (targeting PCSK9), VERVE-201 (targeting ANGPTL3), and VERVE-301 (targeting LPA). These gene-editing programs aim to offer durable, one-time treatments for high cholesterol and other cardiovascular risks.
What is the total value of the acquisition?
Lilly paid $10.50 per share in cash upfront, with an additional $3.00 per share offered as a CVR. The total transaction value is up to $1.3 billion if the milestone is achieved.
What stage is VERVE-102 currently in?
VERVE-102 is in a Phase 1b clinical trial for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The treatment has shown strong cholesterol-lowering effects and a favorable safety profile. It also received Fast Track designation from the FDA.
Why is this acquisition important for Eli Lilly?
The deal strengthens Lilly’s gene medicine platform and positions the company at the forefront of next-generation cardiovascular treatments. It aligns with Lilly’s goal of developing one-time, curative therapies for chronic diseases.
