Eli Lilly & Co. is the latest drugmaker to bet on gene-silencing technology, spending $100 million for a stake in Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Reuters reports.
As part of the $100 million deal, the companies will collaborate to develop more than 10 experimental drugs to treat conditions such as cardio-metabolic disorders and pain.
To expand its gene-silencing portfolio, Eli Lilly will pay $100 million upfront and buy a $100 million equity stake. Under the deal, Dicerna is eligible to receive up to $350 million and some royalties for each developed drug.
Gene-silencing technology works by targeting and turning off certain genetic material in an effort to prevent some disease-causing proteins from forming.
Johnson and Johnson has also recently invested in gene silencing firms.