Eli Lilly Eyes 13% Upside as Verve-102 Cuts LDL by 62%
LLY•Eli Lilly shares have risen 14% in May, bringing the stock within 6.5% of its all-time high and marking the first healthcare company to reach a $1 trillion market cap. Interim Phase 1b data show Verve-102 cut PCSK9 protein levels by 51–88% and lowered LDL cholesterol up to 62% for 18 months in high-risk patients.
1. Stock Near Record High
Eli Lilly shares have risen 14% in May, bringing the stock within 6.5% of its all-time high and making it the first healthcare company to reach a $1 trillion market cap. Analyst consensus remains 'Strong Buy' among 31 firms with an average price target implying roughly 13% upside from current levels.
2. Verve-102 Gene-Editing LDL Reduction
Interim Phase 1b trial results for Verve-102 showed PCSK9 protein levels fell by 51–88% and LDL cholesterol dropped up to 62% at the highest dose, with reductions lasting up to 18 months after a single infusion. The study enrolled 35 participants with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or premature coronary artery disease.
3. Obesity Drug Franchise Momentum
Lilly’s obesity portfolio continues to expand as Mounjaro surpassed Keytruda to become the world’s best-selling drug last quarter, contributing to over $100 billion in projected GLP-1 sales. Next-generation candidate retatrutide achieved more than 28% body weight loss over 18 months, underscoring the company’s leadership beyond diabetes into obesity.
