Eli Lilly struck a collaboration with AI-focused biotech Profluent to develop next-generation gene editors that could enable insertion of entire genes. The companies did not detail the number of programs, disease focus, or upfront economics, but the deal structure includes milestone payments that could total $2.25 billion. The partnership fits Lilly’s broader gene-editing buildout, including new organizational investments and acquisitions targeting genetic medicine platforms. For Profluent, the deal provides validation for its AI-driven protein-engineering approach in recombinase-based editing. Investors and competitors are likely to weigh how quickly Lilly can translate AI-designed tooling into manufacturable editing systems and clinically testable constructs—especially given the technical demands of achieving precise, efficient, and safe DNA insertion. If successful, the approach could expand the scope of gene editing beyond point mutations, adding a platform capability relevant to diseases where full-gene delivery is needed.