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

Under the terms of the collaboration, Verve will advance the research and development of the Lp(a) program through the completion of Phase 1 clinical development. Lilly will be responsible for subsequent development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the Lp(a) program. “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, M.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of 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. Additionally, with the $60 million in capital expected from Lilly, we anticipate having a cash runway that extends into 2026.”