Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY) is in advanced discussions to acquire Verve Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $1.3 billion, according to the Financial Times.
The proposed terms include a nearly $1 billion upfront payment, with an additional $300 million contingent on clinical milestones.
Verve is developing a gene therapy aimed at lowering cholesterol, potentially to be used alongside existing treatments.
The deal, if finalised, could be announced within days. Eli Lilly is looking to bolster its pipeline of genetic medicines through this acquisition.
Verve’s approach to long-term cholesterol control through gene editing complements Lilly’s strategy of expanding into innovative biotechnologies.
Neither company has publicly commented on the talks