Eli Lilly signed a definitive agreement to acquire Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion in cash on February 9, 2026. The transaction includes both upfront and milestone-based payments. This acquisition targets Orna’s specialized in vivo cell engineering and circular RNA platforms.
Lilly will utilize these technologies to develop treatments for autoimmune diseases, including the ORN-252 CAR-T therapy. The move expands Lilly’s genetic medicine capabilities while the company maintains strong growth in the weight-loss drug sector.
Eli Lilly (LLY) shares climbed 1.73% in pre-market trading. The stock reached a price of $1076.53. This performance outpaced broader market indices despite recent volatility.