Eli Lilly Partners with AI Startup Profluent to Develop Next-Generation Gene Editors Beyond CRISPR

Eli Lilly announced a partnership with AI biotech startup Profluent on April 28, 2026, to develop AI-designed gene editing enzymes capable of inserting entire genes into patients, moving beyond traditional CRISPR technology. The deal includes up to $2.25 billion in milestone payments, though upfront costs, specific disease targets, and program numbers remain undisclosed. This collaboration extends Eli Lilly's recent expansion into genetic medicine, which includes opening a Boston gene medicine center and acquiring multiple gene editing companies. The partnership leverages Eli Lilly's record revenues from obesity and diabetes drugs to fund development of next-generation gene editing tools designed through artificial intelligence rather than naturally occurring enzymes.

Eli Lilly's partnership with Profluent for AI-driven gene editing

• ▪The gene editors being developed by Eli Lilly and Profluent are potentially capable of inserting entire genes into patients
• ▪The Eli Lilly and Profluent collaboration does not publicly disclose how much Eli Lilly was paying upfront
• ▪The Eli Lilly and Profluent collaboration does not publicly disclose the types of diseases the companies will pursue
• ▪Eli Lilly struck a deal with Profluent on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to develop new forms of gene editors
• ▪The Eli Lilly and Profluent collaboration does not publicly disclose the number of programs the two companies would work on
• ▪Eli Lilly would pay Profluent $2.25 billion in milestone payments if every effort in their collaboration works out
• ▪Profluent is an artificial intelligence-focused biotech company

Lilly's broader expansion into genetic medicine

• ▪Eli Lilly has record revenues from its obesity and diabetes drugs
• ▪The Eli Lilly and Profluent deal is part of a larger push by Eli Lilly into gene editing
• ▪Eli Lilly opened a new genetic medicine center in Boston
• ▪Eli Lilly bought a series of gene editing or gene therapy companies over the last few years

Perspective of Profluent

• ▪Profluent's AI-designed enzymes represent a next-generation approach that moves beyond traditional CRISPR technology
• ▪Profluent uses artificial intelligence to create novel gene editing tools rather than relying on naturally occurring enzymes

Perspective of Eli Lilly

• ▪Eli Lilly's partnership with Profluent represents part of a broader strategic push into gene editing and genetic medicine
• ▪Eli Lilly's strong financial position from obesity and diabetes drug revenues enables major investments in emerging genetic medicine technologies