Eli Lilly Expands Into Vaccines With $4-B Acquisition Deal

Eli Lilly said it will acquire three vaccine developers in deals worth up to nearly $4 billion in combined value, signaling a push into infectious disease prevention, Reuters reported.

Eli Lilly expands its biotech portfolio with a multibillion-dollar acquisition of vaccine developers. (Photo: PR Newswire)

The drugmaker, boosted by strong revenue from its obesity treatments, has been on an acquisition spree as it expands beyond weight loss into other therapeutic areas.

It has agreed to acquire Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Co.

Curevo shareholders could receive up to $1.5 billion in cash, including upfront payments and milestone-based payouts.

The company is developing a vaccine to prevent shingles in adults.

Lilly will also acquire LimmaTech, which develops vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens, for up to $780 million, including upfront and milestone payments. Shares of Eli Lilly rose 1.6% in premarket trading.