By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Drugmaker Eli Lilly<\/a> plans to buy Verve Therapeutics<\/a>, a gene-editing startup, for about $1 billion upfront.<\/p>\n The deal gives Lilly a potential new treatment for heart disease, The Wall Street Journal<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n The deal, announced June 17, includes a cash offer of $10.50 per share for all outstanding Verve stock. Lilly may also pay as much as $300 million more if Verve\u2019s top drug hits certain research milestones. That would bring the total deal to $1.3 billion, The WSJ <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Verve\u2019s board has agreed to the sale and recommends shareholders support the decision. The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of this year.<\/p>\n Verve is developing a new class of gene-editing drugs that could be given just once to treat chronic conditions. Its top drug \u2014 Verve-102 \u2014 is designed to target a gene called PCSK9, which is associated with heart health and cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n The treatment is being tested in a Phase 1b clinical trial and has received fast-track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The WSJ <\/em>added.<\/p>\n \u201cVerve-102 has the potential to be the first in vivo gene editing therapy for broad patient populations and could shift the treatment paradigm for cardiovascular disease from chronic care to one-and-done treatment,\u201d Ruth Gimeno<\/a>, Lilly\u2019s vice president of metabolic and diabetes drug development, said.<\/p>\n If the drug passes early trials and moves into a Phase 3 trial, Verve shareholders will receive an additional $3 per share. That payout would happen if the first patient receives the treatment within 10 years of the deal closing.<\/p>\n Verve\u2019s co-founder and CEO, Dr. Sekar Kathiresan<\/a>, said the company was created with a bold goal: to change how heart disease is treated.<\/p>\n \u201cIn just seven years, our team has progressed three in vivo gene editing products, with two currently in the clinic,\u201d he told The WSJ<\/em>. \u201cNow, we will take the next steps in the drug development journey together with an ideal strategic partner in Lilly.\u201d<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n Learn more about Verve Therapeutics<\/a>.<\/p>\n