Pharmaindustrie: Eli Lilly stärkt Immunologiegeschäft mit Milliardenzukauf
Bis zu 2,88 Milliarden Dollar gibt der Pharmakonzern für die Übernahme der Biotechfirma Merida Biosciences aus. Finanziert wird der Kauf mit den Milliarden aus dem Abnehmspritzen-Boom.
Frankfurt - US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is bolstering its business in autoimmune and allergy diseases through a billion-dollar acquisition. The company announced on Monday that it will purchase biotech firm Merida Biosciences for up to $2.88 billion, paid in a combination of an upfront payment and performance-based milestone payments.
The deal is set to close in the fourth quarter of the year. Merida specializes in developing medications that target disease-causing antibodies. The lead candidate, MER511, is currently in early-stage clinical trials for autoimmune disorders such as basedow's disease and thyroid-related eye conditions. Preliminary data suggests the drug significantly reduces the relevant antibodies.
Merida's pipeline also includes an experimental drug targeting food allergies and asthma. Eli Lilly is financing the acquisition with its strong earnings from medications for obesity and diabetes. The company is on a buying spree to diversify its portfolio and reduce its dependence on its top-selling products for weight loss. In 2026, the cost of acquisitions is already expected to surpass those of previous years.
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