Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Engage Biologics in a deal valued at $202 million, expanding its genetic medicines pipeline with Engage’s non-viral DNA delivery platform. The preclinical biotech develops Tethosome-based systems designed to improve potency, tolerability and “redosability,” aiming to address common limitations in DNA delivery. Lilly will combine Engage’s Tethosome approach with its in-house capabilities in genetic medicine development, according to the companies’ announcement. Engage’s founders and investors include SciFounders, Pioneer Fund, Cal Innovation Fund, Y Combinator and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with additional support from the Gates Foundation and NCATS. The transaction adds another element to Lilly’s acceleration in genetic medicine and follows other recent dealmaking by the company, including acquisitions focused on clinical-stage cell therapies and in vivo CAR-T capabilities.