Eli Lilly agreed to buy Engage Bio, a preclinical-stage startup developing non-viral DNA delivery technology, as the company continues expanding in genetic medicines. The deal includes $202 million in upfront and milestone payments and centers on Engage’s Tethosome platform, designed to improve DNA delivery to cells through engineered payloads and lipid nanoparticle delivery. The acquisition adds a delivery capability that can complement gene-based modalities beyond Lilly’s recent portfolio activity. Engage’s platform aims to improve potency, tolerability, and re-dosability—constraints that frequently shape the development path for DNA delivery in vivo.