Eli Lilly to acquire three vaccine firms for $3.83 billion

Eli Lilly announced Tuesday it has agreed to acquire three biotechnology companies focused on vaccine development in deals collectively worth up to approximately $3.83 billion. The move marks a significant strategic expansion into infectious disease prevention for the pharmaceutical giant, which has recently been best known for its blockbuster diabetes and obesity drugs.

The company is acquiring Curevo Inc., LimmaTech Biologics AG, and Vaccine Company, Inc. The largest deal is for Vaccine Company, valued at up to $1.55 billion, followed by Curevo at up to $1.5 billion, and LimmaTech at up to $780 million. The agreements include upfront payments as well as additional milestone-based payments contingent on clinical and commercial progress.

Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific and product officer, said the acquisitions reflect a deliberate strategy to prevent disease at its source rather than treat its consequences. He cited growing evidence linking common infections to serious conditions that emerge later in life, including neurological disease, cancer, and infertility. With antimicrobial resistance limiting treatment options, Skovronsky stated that vaccines are...