HQ Team
June 19, 2025: Eli Lilly and Company will acquire gene-editing startup Verve Therapeutics, Inc. for up to $1.3 billion to pocket an early-stage experimental therapy and to develop once-in-a-lifetime treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Lilly will begin a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Verve for a price of $10.50 per share in cash, aggregating $1 billion, according to a Lilly statement.
Verve shareholders are also entitled to one non-tradeable contingent value right for up to an additional $3 per share, taking the total potential consideration of up to $13.50 per share in cash without interest or a total of $1.3 billion.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Lilly will acquire any shares of Verve that are not tendered in the tender offer through a second-step merger at the same consideration as paid in the tender offer.
Cholesterol levels
Verve Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease, uses gene editing techniques for a one-time change to a patient’s DNA.
The Nasdaq-listed company’s lead therapy is an in vivo (research on a living organism) medicine targeting PCSK9, a gene linked to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
The medicine called VERVE-102 is being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial study and has been granted Fast Track designation by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The company is developing a pipeline of medicines using gene editing designed to address the drivers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through treatments that may only need to be given once in a lifetime.
In Vivo gene editing
“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, Lilly group vice president, Diabetes and Metabolic Research and Development.
Sekar Kathiresan, MD, co-founder and chief executive officer of Verve Therapeutics, said: “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.”
