Verve, Eli Lilly Announce Collaboration on Gene Editing Program

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Verve Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, has announced a collaboration with Eli Lilly on its preclinical stage in vivo gene editing program targeting lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Under terms of the deal, Verve will continue its phase 1 research into atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), while further development, manufacturing, and commercialization will be spearheaded by Lilly.

“Verve was created with a singular focus to protect the world from ASCVD by developing single-course gene editing medicines that address the underlying causal drivers of the disease. Lp(a) is validated as one of these key drivers, and as such, this program represents another important step in our efforts to transform the care of ASCVD,” said Sekar Kathiresan, MD, co-founder, chief executive officer, Verve. “Blood concentrations of Lp(a) are determined almost entirely by inheritance, and unfortunately, lifestyle and currently approved lipid-lowering therapies have minimal to no impact. In patients with established ASCVD and elevated blood Lp(a), we believe there is a substantial opportunity for a single-course gene editing medicine to permanently lower Lp(a) levels, and we are thrilled to have joined forces with Lilly, an industry leader in cardiometabolic disease, to accelerate this program toward patients.

Reference: Verve Establishes Global Collaboration with Lilly to Advance Verve’s In Vivo Gene Editing Program Targeting Lp(a) for the Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. GlobeNewswire. June 15, 2023. Accessed June 19, 2023. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/06/15/2688718/0/en/Verve-Establishes-Global-Collaboration-with-Lilly-to-Advance-Verve-s-In-Vivo-Gene-Editing-Program-Targeting-Lp-a-for-the-Treatment-of-Atherosclerotic-Cardiovascular-Disease.html