Eli Lilly advanced its gene therapy pipeline with a $1.3 billion acquisition of CRISPR startup Verve Therapeutics, adding VERVE-102, an in vivo CRISPR base editor targeting PCSK9 for cardiovascular disease treatments. The deal potentially expands Lilly's reach beyond its obesity and neuroscience successes into genetic medicines addressing cardiovascular risk factors. Verve’s lead candidate is in early-phase clinical trials with FDA fast track designation. Lilly’s incubator program continues to invest in diverse modalities and therapeutic areas, including emerging fields such as healthspan and longevity. This deal signals renewed investor confidence in in vivo base editing approaches following positive clinical advances in the sector.