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san Diego, January 10, 2024 – Eli Lilly is significantly expanding its immunology portfolio with the $1.2 billion acquisition of Ventyx Biosciences,a clinical-stage biotech firm developing oral therapies for a range of inflammatory conditions. This move signals a growing confidence in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, a protein complex central to inflammatory signaling, and offers potential new treatments for diseases were inflammation plays a key role.
Lilly bets Big on Untapped Inflammatory Pathway
The deal, announced after Wednesday’s market close, comes on the heels of promising mid-stage data released by ventyx in the fall for its lead drug, VTX3232.
- Eli Lilly is acquiring Ventyx Biosciences for $1.2 billion.
- Ventyx focuses on oral drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, a novel target in inflammatory diseases.
- VTX3232, Ventyx’s lead program, has shown positive results in Phase 2 trials for cardiovascular risk and Parkinson’s disease.
- While not showing promise in weight loss, VTX3232 demonstrates potential in other areas.
- Lilly sees broad applications for Ventyx’s pipeline across cardiometabolic health, neurodegeneration, and autoimmunity.
Though, recent data revealed a setback for VTX3232 in the realm of weight loss. In a head-to-head comparison to novo Nordisk’s popular weight loss drug, Wegovy. Results indicated that VTX3232 did not promote weight loss either as a single therapy or in combination with Wegovy.
Prior to the obesity study, Ventyx released encouraging Phase 2 data in the summer concerning VTX3232’s application in Parkinson’s disease. Researchers are capitalizing on the molecule’s ability to penetrate the brain to address this neurodegenerative disorder.
Beyond VTX3232: A Diverse Pipeline
ventyx’s pipeline extends beyond VTX3232, including VTX2735, a peripherally restricted NLRP3 inhibitor currently in Phase 2 trials for recurrent pericarditis. the company is also developing compounds for inflammatory bowel disease, such as the S1P1R modulator tamuzimod and the TYK2 inhibitor VTX958. Lilly anticipates broad applications for Ventyx’s drug candidates.
“There is increasing evidence that inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases,” stated Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific and product officer and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, in a prepared statement. “Ventyx’s clinical-stage pipeline addresses a critical need for better treatment options across diseases mediated by chronic inflammation and further strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful advances for patients living with challenging diseases across focus areas of cardiometabolic health, neurodegeneration and autoimmunity.”
Lilly isn’t alone in pursuing NLRP3 inhibition. Novo Nordisk, a major competitor in metabolic medicines, has licensed an NLRP3 inhibitor from Ventus Therapeutics.Novo Nordisk’s pipeline includes an NLRP3 inhibitor in Phase 1 growth for MASH (fatty liver disease) and cardiovascular disease. Roche and other companies, including BioAge Labs and Nodthera, are also actively researching NLRP3 inhibitors.
under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Lilly will pay $14 in cash per share of Ventyx, representing a roughly 62% premium over the stock’s 30-day average trading price as of January 5. Ventyx shares experienced a surge earlier this week following a report by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday indicating that Lilly was nearing a deal to acquire the biotech.
The transaction has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and is subject to approval from Ventyx stockholders and regulatory authorities. Lilly anticipates completing the acquisition in the first half of this year.
