Eli Lilly’s $262M Acquisition of Adverum Strengthens Gene Therapy Portfolio
Eli Lilly (LLY) has announced a $261.7 million acquisition of Adverum Biotechnologies (ADVM), a clinical-stage biotech specializing in gene therapies for ocular diseases. The deal includes an upfront payment of $3.56 per share, with potential milestone payouts reaching $12.47 per share. Adverum’s stock surged 17% on the news, while Lilly shares ROSE 2%.
The centerpiece of the transaction is Ixo-vec, a Phase 3 gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration. The single-injection treatment could disrupt current standards of care requiring frequent ocular injections. Regulatory designations suggest accelerated approval pathways, aligning with Lilly’s strategic expansion in genetic medicines for underserved patient populations.