Lilly to purchase California company Ventyx Biosciences for $1.2 billion

ortfolio of leading NLRP3 inhibitors can effectively target chronic inflammation, a significant contributor to various diseases,” expressed Raju Mohan, Ph.D., the CEO of Ventyx Biosciences. He emphasized their belief in Lilly as a strategic partner due to their vast resources, dedication to innovation, and the shared goal of providing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical needs.

In a $1.2 billion all-cash deal, Lilly will acquire Ventyx, adding Ventyx’s valuable pipeline of small molecule therapeutics, particularly NLRP3 inhibitors, to its portfolio. These therapies aim to address inflammation in conditions like cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory disorders. By targeting immune pathways, Ventyx’s clinical-stage programs strive to enhance treatment outcomes while prioritizing patient safety.

The acquisition aligns well with Lilly’s vision to develop breakthrough solutions for chronic diseases influenced by inflammation. Ventyx’s expertise in combating chronic inflammation complements Lilly’s research objectives, especially in the domains of cardiometabolic health, neurodegeneration, and autoimmunity. By integrating Ventyx’s innovative therapies into their offerings, Lilly seeks to make significant strides in patient care across a range of challenging conditions.

The agreed-upon purchase price of $14.00 per share represents a 62% premium over Ventyx’s 30-day volume-weighted average trading price. The transaction, slated to conclude in the first half of 2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, signals a mutual commitment from both companies’ boards of directors towards this strategic move. Notably, key stakeholders, including New Science Ventures affiliates and all Ventyx directors and officers, have pledged their support through voting agreements, covering around 10% of Ventyx’s outstanding common stock.

“At Lilly, we are driven by a dedication to advancing healthcare through innovation,” stated Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., reinforcing the company’s resolve to address the complexities of chronic inflammatory conditions. Ventyx’s NLRP3 inhibitors offer a targeted approach to curbing the adverse effects of chronic inflammation, with the potential to revolutionize treatment outcomes for patients grappling with debilitating diseases.

BofA Securities, Inc., and Ropes & Gray serve as Lilly’s exclusive financial advisor and legal counsel, respectively, for this transaction. Jefferies LLC and Moelis & Company LLC provide financial advisory services to Ventyx, with legal counsel from Wilson, Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. The forthcoming acquisition underscores Lilly’s strategic investment in expanding its therapeutic offerings, propelling its mission to pioneer transformative solutions for patients facing complex and challenging health conditions.