Eli Lilly entered a research and licensing collaboration with Ascidian Therapeutics for RNA exon editors targeting inherited kidney diseases. The deal, valued up to $1.9 billion in upfront fees, milestones, and royalties, covers discovery and early activities for undisclosed monogenic kidney targets, with Lilly responsible for later-stage development, clinical trials, manufacturing, and commercialization. Ascidian’s RNA exon editing approach is designed to repair disease-causing RNA splicing instructions without permanent DNA changes, using endogenous cellular machinery. The collaboration also includes options to expand into additional targets over time. This is another high-value commitment to RNA-based genetic medicines, as pharmaceutical companies seek platform leverage for patient populations with limited treatment options and complex mutation architectures.