# Eli Lilly acquisition of Merida Biosciences > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eli-lilly-acquisition-of-merida-biosciences > Updated: 2026-09-04T02:39:46.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. Eli Lilly and Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Merida Biosciences, a biotechnology firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a total value of approximately $2.88 billion. The deal structure consists of an upfront cash payment supplemented by milestone-based payments tied to clinical and regulatory achievements. The acquisition is intended to diversify Eli Lilly’s portfolio beyond its existing obesity and diabetes treatments. Through Merida, the company gains access to a precision therapeutic platform designed to selectively degrade pathogenic autoantibodies. Merida’s primary candidate, MER511, is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease, while other pipeline programs target conditions such as asthma and food allergies. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. This move follows Eli Lilly’s recent acquisition of Engage Biologics Inc., which was aimed at securing a non-viral DNA transfer platform for its genetic medicine portfolio. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Eli Lilly to acquire Merida Biosciences for up to $2.875 billion Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire Merida Biosciences for up to $2.875 billion to expand its biopharmaceutical research and genetic medicine capabilities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eli-lilly-to-acquire-merida-biosciences-for-up-to-2875-billion ### 2026-08-31: Eli Lilly to acquire Merida Biosciences for up to $2.88 billion Eli Lilly will acquire biotech firm Merida Biosciences for up to $2.88 billion to expand its immunology portfolio with precision treatments for autoimmune and allergic diseases. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eli-lilly-to-acquire-merida-biosciences-for-up-to-288-billion --- Cite as: Eli Lilly acquisition of Merida Biosciences. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eli-lilly-acquisition-of-merida-biosciences