Also known as: oRNA, Orna, Orna Therapeutics
Orna Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on circular RNA therapeutics and related lipid nanoparticle delivery technologies. Its platform is positioned to support treatments for cancer, autoimmune, and genetic diseases.
Eli Lilly and Company has agreed to acquire Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion in cash. The deal includes ORN-252, a clinical-trial-ready CD19-targeting in vivo CAR-T therapy for B cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
Next-generation in vivo CAR-T therapy enables cancer treatment with a single injection, while new Texas legislation and community-based delivery models expand patient access to this advanced cellular therapy.
Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion on February 9, 2026, gaining access to proprietary circular RNA technology and an "in vivo" CAR-T platform for immunology and oncology applications.
Eli Lilly launched the monthly Zepbound KwikPen for obesity treatment and initiated a Phase 2 trial for opioid use disorder, while Gilead Sciences agreed to acquire Arcellx for $7.8 billion to expand its cell therapy portfolio.
Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, creating over 500 biomanufacturing jobs and 4,000 construction positions as part of its $55 billion U.S. investment commitment.
Eli Lilly has stockpiled $1.5 billion in inventory for Orforglipron ahead of an expected FDA decision in April. The oral weight-loss pill aims to compete with Novo Nordisk's recently approved oral Wegovy.
Eli Lilly announced a $2.4 billion acquisition of Orna Therapeutics and two additional collaborations totaling over $1 billion to develop treatments for immune disorders, cancer, and hearing loss gene therapies.
Eli Lilly achieved positive outcomes for nearly all R&D key events in 2025 and acquired Orna Therapeutics for $2.4 billion to develop circular RNA therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Eli Lilly acquired Orna Therapeutics for $2.4 billion and announced multiple partnerships while investing in AI drug discovery infrastructure, including building the industry's largest AI supercomputer to boost clinical trial success rates.
Eli Lilly has accumulated $1.5 billion in pre-launch inventory of its experimental oral weight-loss drug orforglipron ahead of an expected FDA decision in April, up from $550 million last year.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07439796 |
A Study of ORN252 in Healthy Participants |
RECRUITING | PHASE1 |
