Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for up to $1.3 billion, including milestone payments contingent on clinical progress. Verve’s lead gene-editing candidate, VERVE-102, targets PCSK9 to reduce cholesterol and holds promise for one-time treatment of cardiovascular diseases like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and premature coronary artery disease. Early trial data demonstrates dose-dependent LDL cholesterol reductions with an improved safety profile compared to earlier candidates. This acquisition aligns with Lilly’s investment strategy in genetic medicines and represents a strategic expansion of its cardiometabolic portfolio.