Lilly Gets Back Into the Vaccine Business With New Deals

Summary

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.