Eli Lilly Acquires Merida Biosciences for $2.9 Billion to Expand Autoimmune Drug Pipeline
Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has announced the acquisition of Merida Biosciences for $2.9 billion, aiming to enhance its pipeline in autoimmune and allergic disease treatments. Merida is developing therapies that target specific pathogenic autoantibodies without broadly suppressing immune systems, offering a more precise approach compared to existing treatments. Lilly's recent success with GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) has fueled its aggressive acquisition strategy. Since 2023, the company has acquired over two dozen firms across various therapeutic areas. Mounjaro and Zepbound generated significant revenue in Q2 2026 with $9.9 billion and $4.9 billion respectively. The move aligns with Lilly's broader strategy to capitalize on growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions, particularly as the global population ages and wealth increases across developing nations.
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