Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-06-17 02:46Group 1 - Eli Lilly is preparing to acquire gene-editing startup Verve Therapeutics for up to $1.3 billion, with $1 billion as an upfront payment and an additional $300 million contingent on clinical milestones [1][2] - Verve Therapeutics is developing a gene therapy to lower cholesterol levels, which is expected to be used in conjunction with other medications [2] - If the acquisition is completed, it will represent a significant strategic move for Eli Lilly in the gene-editing space, following its success with weight loss drugs [2] Group 2 - The pharmaceutical industry is currently experiencing a downturn in merger and acquisition activity due to market volatility and regulatory uncertainties [3] - Unlike competitors facing patent cliffs and revenue pressures, Eli Lilly is in a strong financial position, with projected sales of $30.2 billion from its weight loss and diabetes drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound this year [4] - Eli Lilly has already spent $2.5 billion this year on acquisitions, including cancer biotech company Scorpion Therapeutics and pain treatment-focused SiteOne Therapeutics [5]