Eli Lilly signs up to $1.9B deal with Ascidian Therapeutics for RNA editing in kidney disease

Ascidian Therapeutics recently presented early data indicating that its novel RNA‑editing approach to repair faulty genes appears safe in humans, focusing on kidney disease applications.

Eli Lilly has entered into a partnership with the Boston‑based startup, with the agreement valued at up to $1.9 billion. The deal aims to advance the RNA‑editing platform toward clinical development and eventual commercialization.

The collaboration adds a promising renal‑focused asset to Lilly’s pipeline and underscores the pharmaceutical industry’s growing interest in RNA‑editing technologies as a new therapeutic modality.