The pending deal could reshape the future of cardiovascular gene editing and strengthen Lilly’s biotech pipeline.

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a cutting-edge biotech firm specializing in gene editing for cardiovascular disease, in a deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion. The move signals Lilly’s continued push into next-generation therapeutics and could significantly enhance its presence in the highly competitive precision medicine space.

Verve Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has attracted widespread attention for its proprietary base editing platform aimed at permanently modifying genes linked to familial hypercholesterolemia and other chronic heart conditions. Its lead candidate, VERVE-101, is currently undergoing early-phase clinical trials and has shown promise in reducing LDL cholesterol by targeting the PCSK9 gene.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the acquisition would be structured as a combination of cash and equity, with milestone-based incentives tied to regulatory approvals and commercial performance. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, due diligence is reportedly near completion, and a formal announcement could come within weeks.

For Eli Lilly, this acquisition would mark its latest strategic investment in genetic medicine, following previous partnerships and acquisitions in the RNA and cell therapy sectors. By integrating Verve’s platform, Lilly aims to gain a foothold in cardiovascular gene therapy—a field projected to grow exponentially over the next decade due to rising global rates of heart disease.

Industry analysts view the potential deal as both opportunistic and forward-looking. “This is about future-proofing,” said Dr. Laura Jenkins, a healthcare M&A consultant. “Eli Lilly is securing access to technologies that could be transformative not just for rare diseases, but for millions affected by common chronic conditions.”

Verve’s team of leading scientists, including co-founder Sekar Kathiresan, has been lauded for pioneering work in gene editing and lipid biology. The company also holds a valuable intellectual property portfolio, including CRISPR-based patents and exclusive licensing agreements with major academic institutions.

Despite the promise, there are challenges ahead. The safety and scalability of in vivo gene editing remain under close regulatory scrutiny, and Verve’s therapies are still years away from widespread commercialization. Nonetheless, the acquisition could fast-track clinical development under Lilly’s expansive R&D infrastructure and global regulatory expertise.

Market response to the reports has been largely positive, with Verve Therapeutics’ shares surging more than 30% following news of the talks. Investors appear confident that Lilly’s backing could validate and accelerate Verve’s path to market.

Should the deal close, it would represent one of the largest biotech acquisitions of the year and further cement Eli Lilly’s status as a leader in next-generation therapeutics. As the industry shifts toward precision and prevention, Lilly’s bet on gene editing might just redefine its long-term strategy—and the future of heart health.