STAT+: Eli Lilly enlists AI startup for next-generation gene editors

STAT PlusPharma Eli Lilly enlists AI startup for next-generation gene editors Flush with obesity profits, Lilly is making a big push into a hot topic Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastApril 28, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason Mast is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the science behind new medicines and the systems and people that decide whether that science ever reaches patients. You can reach Jason on Signal at JasonMast.05. Eli Lilly struck a deal Tuesday to develop new forms of gene editors potentially capable of inserting entire genes into patients. The collaboration, with artificial intelligence-focused biotech Profluent, is sparse on details, including the number of programs the two companies would work on, the types of diseases they’ll pursue, or how much Lilly was paying upfront. But if every one of its efforts works out, Lilly would pay Profluent $2.25 billion in milestones payments.Advertisement The deal is part of a larger push by Lilly into gene editing. The big pharma, flush with record revenues from its obesity and diabetes drugs, has opened a new genetic medicine center in Boston and bought up a series of gene editing or gene therapy companies over the last few years. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, CRISPR, Eli Lilly, Gene therapy, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Mast General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the science behind new medicines and the systems and people that decide whether that science ever reaches patients. You can reach Jason on Signal at JasonMast.05. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Biotech April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA launches effort to speed up clinical trials, using AI Biotech April 28, 2026 Fauci adviser David Morens indicted on charges of concealing emails, avoiding records requests Advertisement The Readout April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Boehringer’s obesity drug shows 16.6% weight loss; more data needed Biotech April 27, 2026 STAT Plus: Erasca touts strong, though preliminary, results in trial of pancreatic and lung cancer therapy The Readout April 27, 2026 STAT Plus: Astellas retries XLMTM gene therapy after deaths Subscriber Picks