Looking to catch up with Novo Nordisk A/S and stay competitive in the burgeoning obesity/weight-loss therapy space, Eli Lilly and Company agreed to pay up to $1.925bn on 14 July for privately held Versanis Bio bringing in a Phase II obesity candidate that could offer therapeutic synergy with Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and a pair of late-stage candidates in development by the Indianapolis pharma.
Lilly Looks To Complement Mounjaro, Obesity Pipeline With Versanis Buyout
Deal brings Lilly a Phase II activin receptor-targeting antibody that could provide another tool in battling obesity. This is Lilly’s fourth M&A transaction since 20 June.
More from Deals
• By
Plus deals involving GV20/Mitsubishi Tanabe, Kaken/Alumis, AstraZeneca/Alteogen and deal terminations involving Clover/Gavi Alliance and Rhythm/RareStone.
• By
The obesity market leader has unveiled its second deal in days, paying $75m upfront for a potential first-in-class ACSL5 inhibitor, while the deal also provides some respite for Lexicon.
• By
Plus deals involving Relmada/Trigone, Alvotech/Xbrane, OPKO Health/Entera, iOncologi/TargImmune and more.
• By
Merck & Co., which already has an oral PCSK9 inhibitor in Phase III, licensed Hengrui’s Lipoprotein(a)-lowering small molecule HRS-5346 outside of Greater China for $200m up front.
More from Business
• By
Stakeholders are pleading for newly confirmed FDA Commissioner Martin Makary to stand up for the agency's high scientific standards and staff as he begins his term.
• By
Plus deals involving Relmada/Trigone, Alvotech/Xbrane, OPKO Health/Entera, iOncologi/TargImmune and more.
• By
With its exon 53-skipping candidate already showing promise in 24-week data, Wave now has 48-week data showing improvements in muscle health and functional outcomes.