Lilly Acquires Orna Therapeutics to Propel Cell Therapy Innovations
In a strategic move to enhance its cell therapy innovations, Eli Lilly and Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Orna Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm focused on in vivo cell engineering. The partnership aims to leverage Orna’s groundbreaking technologies, particularly its circular RNA platform, to pioneer new treatments for B cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
Lilly Acquires Orna Therapeutics for Cell Therapy Innovations
The acquisition was officially announced on February 9, 2026, with Lilly planning to invest up to $2.4 billion in cash. This amount includes an initial payment and additional payments contingent upon achieving certain clinical development milestones.
Innovative Therapeutic Platforms
Orna Therapeutics is renowned for its engineering of circular RNA (oRNA®) therapeutics. This novel approach focuses on utilizing lipid nanoparticles to enable the patient’s body to generate effective cell therapies autonomously. This technology stands out for its potential to deliver long-lasting therapeutic protein expression, which may significantly enhance treatment options for conditions that current therapies cannot address.
- Orna’s lead program, ORN-252, is a clinical-ready CAR-T therapy targeting CD19.
- The therapy is specifically designed to treat B cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
- This collaboration offers a platform for long-term innovation in genetic medicine.
As Dr. Francisco Ramírez-Valle, Senior VP of Immunology Research at Lilly, expressed, early findings on CAR-T therapies have demonstrated significant promise. However, the complexities and logistical challenges of ex vivo approaches have hindered accessibility.
Leadership Insights
Joe Bolen, CEO of Orna Therapeutics, shared excitement over the collaboration, stating that their circular RNA technology combined with Lilly’s expertise could unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a range of autoimmune diseases.
Financial and Regulatory Considerations
Lilly will manage the accounting of this acquisition in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). As a result, it will influence Lilly’s financial performance and guidance following the deal’s closure. Legal and financial advisory roles have been assigned to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Lazard for Lilly and Orna, respectively.
About Lilly and Orna Therapeutics
Lilly has a rich history in advancing scientific discoveries to enhance patient care for nearly 150 years. Its mission focuses on addressing major health challenges, including innovative therapies for diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and immune system disorders.
Orna’s commitment to engineering circular RNA therapeutics aims to reshape RNA medicine capabilities, providing significant advantages over conventional mRNA methodologies.
Looking Ahead
This acquisition underscores a pivotal step in the realm of genetic medicine and cell therapy innovations. The collaboration between Lilly and Orna is poised to make substantial contributions to medical science and patient care in the future.
