Eli Lilly to Acquire Verve Therapeutics in $1.3 Billion Deal, Bolstering Gene Editing Pipeline for Cardiovascular Disease

INDIANAPOLIS & BOSTON – June 17, 2025 – Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Verve Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERV) today announced a definitive agreement for Lilly to acquire the Boston-based clinical-stage gene editing company. The acquisition, valued at up to approximately $1.3 billion, will significantly advance Lilly’s capabilities in genetic medicines, particularly for cardiovascular disease.

Verve is at the forefront of developing gene editing medicines designed to offer potentially one-time treatments for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Their lead program, VERVE-102, is an in vivo gene editing therapy targeting the PCSK9 gene, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol levels and heart health. VERVE-102 utilizes a proprietary lipid nanoparticle for delivering the PCSK9. It is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial and has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This therapy holds promise for individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and certain patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD).

“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, M.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of Verve Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Under Lilly’s stewardship, we are excited to realize the next chapter in cardiovascular care where a single treatment can lead to lifelong reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and make life better for millions of patients living with cardiovascular disease.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will initiate a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Verve for $10.50 per share in cash, totaling approximately $1.0 billion at closing. Additionally, shareholders will receive one non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR) per share, potentially adding up to $3.00 per share upon the first patient being dosed with VERVE-102 in a U.S. Phase 3 clinical trial for ASCVD. This brings the total potential consideration to $13.50 per share.

The purchase price at closing represents a substantial 113% premium to Verve’s 30-day volume-weighted average trading price as of June 16, 2025. Verve’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that stockholders tender their shares. The transaction, not subject to financing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions.