Eli Lilly & Co: Strategic Growth Through VERV Acquisition and Pioneering Gene Editing

Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger has maintained their bullish stance on LLY stock, giving a Buy rating yesterday.

David Risinger has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors that highlight Eli Lilly & Co’s strategic positioning and potential for growth. The recent acquisition of VERV, although a small percentage of Lilly’s market cap, aligns with the company’s focus on expanding its cardiometabolic and genetic medicine research and development efforts. This acquisition introduces in vivo base editing programs, which could lead to groundbreaking treatments for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly through VERVE-102, a pioneering gene editing medicine.
Despite uncertainties in the approval process and reimbursement justification, the potential of VERVE-102 to address conditions like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and premature coronary artery disease is promising. The ongoing clinical trials and anticipated data releases could further bolster Eli Lilly’s portfolio and market position. These strategic moves and the potential for innovative treatments underpin Risinger’s confidence in maintaining an Outperform rating on Eli Lilly’s shares.

Risinger covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Eli Lilly & Co, Pfizer, and Regeneron. According to TipRanks, Risinger has an average return of 8.7% and a 52.65% success rate on recommended stocks.

In another report released yesterday, UBS also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $1,050.00 price target.