Eli Lilly Expands Reach with Dual Deals in Radiopharmaceuticals and MASH

Eli Lilly, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry, has kicked off the week with two significant partnership announcements, further solidifying its position in radiopharmaceuticals and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) research.

OliX Collaboration Targets MASH with siRNA Technology

Eli Lilly has secured a global licensing agreement with OliX Pharmaceuticals for OLX75016, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) candidate targeting the MARC1 enzyme. This strategic move deepens Lilly's involvement in both siRNA technology and MASH treatment development.

OliX, a Korean biotech company, identified the MARC1 target through genomic variant analysis linked to MASH and other liver diseases. The phase 1 trial of OLX75016 in healthy volunteers is currently underway, with Lilly agreeing to fund the study's completion.

This partnership aligns with Lilly's recent investments in nucleic acid research, including a $700 million R&D center opened last year in Boston's Seaport district. The deal complements Lilly's existing MASH pipeline, which includes the high-profile GLP-1 drug tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound) and early-phase siRNA inhibitors targeting SCAP and PNPLA3.

AdvanCell Partnership Enhances Radiopharmaceutical Portfolio

Building on its 2023 acquisition of Point Biopharma for $1.4 billion, Lilly has expanded its collaboration with AdvanCell, an Australian radiopharmaceutical company. The new agreement aims to support the development of an expanded portfolio of lead-212 targeted alpha therapies.

AdvanCell's rising prominence in the field is evident from its recent $112 million Series C funding round, co-led by SV Health Investors, Sanofi Ventures, Abingworth, and SymBiosis. The company's pipeline includes a potential competitor to Novartis's prostate cancer drug Pluvicto.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

These partnerships underscore Eli Lilly's commitment to diversifying its research portfolio and maintaining a competitive edge in emerging therapeutic areas. The company's strategic focus on siRNA technology and radiopharmaceuticals positions it at the forefront of innovative treatment development for complex diseases like MASH and various cancers.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, collaborations such as these will likely play a crucial role in accelerating drug discovery and bringing novel therapies to market. Eli Lilly's proactive approach in forging these partnerships demonstrates its dedication to addressing unmet medical needs and potentially reshaping treatment paradigms in metabolic and oncological disorders.