Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Engage Biologics for $202 million, adding preclinical non-viral DNA delivery technology to its genetic medicines pipeline. The deal centers on Engage’s Tethosome platform, which uses lipid nanoparticles and engineered DNA payloads to address limitations associated with viral delivery, including safety and manufacturing constraints. Engage CEO Will Olsen said the combination of Engage’s platform with Lilly’s development capabilities is designed to accelerate genetic therapy development. Lilly’s broader deal activity in genetic medicines provides context for the acquisition, while the reported purchase continues the company’s emphasis on alternative delivery routes beyond AAV. —