Eli Lilly has announced plans to acquire Curevo Vaccine for a deal potentially worth up to $1.5 billion, which includes an upfront payment and contingent milestone payments. This acquisition focuses on Curevo's next-generation shingles vaccine, amezosvatein, which is set to enhance tolerability and increase vaccination rates among older adults.
Curevo, based in Bothell, Washington, was founded in 2018 through a partnership involving GC Pharma, the Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, and the Access to Advanced Health Institute. The company secured $110 million in venture funding last year from a consortium of investors including Medicxi and Sanofi Ventures.
Shingles affects approximately one in three adults in the U.S. over their lifetime, leading to serious health complications. Current vaccines, while effective, often face issues with tolerability, which can deter patients from completing their vaccinations. In clinical trials, Curevo reported that its vaccine candidate significantly reduces common side effects.
The acquisition is part of Eli Lilly's broader strategy to enhance its infectious disease portfolio, which includes two other acquisitions announced this week. Lilly's extensive resources are anticipated to expedite the development of Curevo's vaccine, with amezosvatein moving into late-stage trials.