Lilly Gets Back Into the Vaccine Business With New Deals

Eli Lilly is buying three clinical-stage vaccine developers for up to $3.8 billion to reenter the vaccine business and diversify from obesity drugs. The company also has a promising gene-editing cholesterol treatment from its acquisition Verve, though long-term data is still lacking. The reporter provides context on Lilly's history in infectious diseases and the challenges of the vaccine business. - Eli Lilly acquires three vaccine developers for up to $3.8 billion. - Lilly aims to reduce reliance on obesity and diabetes drugs. - The company has a long history in infectious diseases but left vaccines. - Lilly's cash from weight-loss drugs funds these expansions. - A gene-editing cholesterol treatment from Verve shows early promise. - The one-time treatment could lower cholesterol for life if approved. - Adoption may be slow due to existing statins and other treatments. - Gene therapy is a key area of investment for Lilly despite industry pullback.