Eli Lilly Acquires Three Vaccine Developers for Nearly $4 Billion
Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of three vaccine developers—Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company—for up to $3.8 billion combined. The deals target vaccines for shingles, staph infections, and Epstein-Barr virus, marking Lilly’s return to infectious disease prevention. Funded by revenue from its obesity drugs, the acquisitions aim to diversify Lilly’s portfolio and leverage its manufacturing capabilities. The vaccines are in early-stage development but address significant unmet medical needs.
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Eli Lilly Expands Vaccine Push with Three Acquisitions
On May 26, 2026, Reuters reported that Eli Lilly and Company plans to acquire three vaccine developers—Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company—in deals worth up to $3.8 billion combined. This marks a deeper push into infectious disease prevention. The US drugmaker has been on an acquisition streak, supported by strong cash flow from growing demand for its obesity drugs. Its deal activity in 2026 has already surpassed previous years. Lilly stated the transactions support its strategy of investing in differentiated technology platforms to address major health challenges, noting that infectious diseases remain a significant cause of global morbidity. The company has spent 150 years developing medicines for pressing health problems.
Yahoo FinanceEli Lilly Acquires Three Vaccine Makers for Nearly $4 Billion in Return to Infectious Disease
Eli Lilly announced on Tuesday it will acquire three privately held vaccine developers in deals totaling nearly $4 billion, marking the company's return to the vaccines and infectious disease space after years of absence. The acquisitions include Curevo (up to $1.5 billion, shingles vaccine), LimmaTech Biologics (up to $780 million, staph infection vaccine), and Vaccine Company (up to $1.55 billion, Epstein-Barr virus vaccine). The move comes months after Lilly hired Dr. Peter Marks, former FDA top vaccine regulator. The vaccines are in early-stage development but target unmet needs: Curevo's shingles shot aims to match GSK's Shingrix efficacy with fewer side effects, while Vaccine Company's EBV shot could be the first of its kind. Analysts see meaningful market opportunities, particularly in shingles, where GSK's Shingrix generated $4.8 billion in 2025 sales.
US Top News and AnalysisEli Lilly Follows Upbeat Cholesterol Shot Trials with $4 Billion Acquisition Spree
Eli Lilly announced three acquisitions totaling nearly $4 billion to bolster its infectious disease portfolio, acquiring Curevo, LimmaTech Biologic, and Vaccine Company for vaccines targeting shingles, staph infections, and Epstein-Barr Virus. The move comes a day after the company reported positive trial results for its gene-editing cholesterol treatment VERVE-102, which reduced LDL cholesterol by 62% with a single dose. Lilly, which became the first healthcare company to reach a $1 trillion valuation thanks to its GLP-1 weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, is following a strategy similar to Nvidia's by leveraging its dominant market position and production capacity to expand into new therapeutic areas. The acquisitions aim to diversify Lilly's revenue beyond weight-loss medications while capitalizing on its industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Yahoo FinanceEli Lilly Stock Rises on Nearly $4 Billion Vaccine Acquisition Plans
Eli Lilly announced on Tuesday plans to acquire three companies—Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company—for a total of nearly $4 billion in cash, as part of its strategy to expand into infectious disease research and development. The deals are valued at $1.5 billion, $780 million, and $1.55 billion respectively. Shares of Eli Lilly edged up 1.3% in premarket trading following the news. Chief Scientific Officer Daniel M. Skovronsky stated that the acquisitions reflect a deliberate strategy to prevent disease at its source rather than treat its consequences. The move signals a significant expansion of the pharmaceutical giant's focus beyond its traditional areas into vaccine development and infectious disease prevention.
US Top News and AnalysisEli Lilly acquires three vaccine developers for $3.8 billion
Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire three vaccine developers—Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company—in deals worth up to $3.8 billion combined. The acquisitions aim to establish Lilly's foothold in infectious disease prevention. Curevo's deal centers on an adult shingles vaccine candidate, with potential payments up to $1.5 billion. LimmaTech Biologics, targeting bacterial pathogens, could yield up to $780 million. Vaccine Company, developing a Phase 1-ready Epstein-Barr virus vaccine using nanoparticle technology, could reach $1.55 billion. Lilly's chief scientific officer highlighted EBV's links to multiple sclerosis and cancers. The deals are part of a broader 2026 acquisition spree funded by Lilly's obesity drug revenue, following purchases of Kelonia Therapeutics and Centessa Pharmaceuticals.
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