Eli Lilly to acquire Ventyx Biosciences; will significantly strengthen immunology and neurology portfolio | iPharmaCenter

Eli Lilly has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Ventyx Biosciences in an all‑cash transaction valued at approximately 1.2 billion dollars, aiming to strengthen its position in orally delivered therapies for chronic, inflammation‑mediated diseases.

Ventyx contributes a differentiated portfolio of small‑molecule oral candidates targeting autoimmune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, centered on NLRP3 inhibition and advanced IBD assets.

Deal overview

Lilly will acquire all outstanding shares of Ventyx for 14.00 dollars per share in cash, representing an equity value of about 1.2 billion dollars and a premium of roughly 62 percent to Ventyx’s 30‑day VWAP as of January 5, 2026.

Strategic rationale for Lilly

Lilly is expanding beyond its current inflammatory‑mediated disease and metabolic franchises by adding a portfolio of oral small molecules that target upstream innate immune pathways, particularly NLRP3, with the potential for disease modification in systemic and CNS indications.

The acquisition complements Lilly’s cardiometabolic and neurodegeneration ambitions, as NLRP3‑driven inflammation has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, obesity‑related cardiometabolic dysfunction and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ventyx’s NLRP3 portfolio

Ventyx is developing VTX2735, a novel, highly potent and selective peripheral oral NLRP3 inhibitor. VTX2735 is now being advanced in Phase 2 for recurrent pericarditis, a rare and debilitating autoinflammatory condition.

VTX3232 is an oral, CNS‑penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor rationally designed for rapid blood–brain barrier equilibration, currently in Phase 2 development for Parkinson’s disease and obesity‑associated cardiometabolic diseases.

Ventyx’s IBD portfolio

Tamuzimod (VTX002) is a selective S1PR1 modulator that, in a 52‑week Phase 2 ulcerative colitis study, demonstrated high rates of clinical and endoscopic remission and a potential best‑in‑class oral efficacy and safety profile, positioning it as a possible backbone for future advanced UC combination regimens.

VTX958 is a highly selective TYK2 inhibitor; it has been evaluated in Phase 2 trials in Crohn’s disease.

Clinical access and development status of Ventyx

Across its core programs, Ventyx is focused on developing novel oral therapies for autoimmune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, with key assets VTX2735 (recurrent pericarditis), VTX3232 (Parkinson’s disease and cardiometabolic diseases), Tamuzimod (ulcerative colitis) and VTX958 (Crohn’s disease) all in Phase 2 development.