In a Phase III multicenter trial involving 1,200 patients with psoriatic arthritis and overweight or obesity, Eli Lilly’s combination of Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Taltz (ixekizumab) produced a 35% greater reduction in Disease Activity Score (DAS28) compared with Taltz monotherapy at 24 weeks. Patients receiving the combination also achieved an average 11.8% body-weight loss versus 5.7% in the Taltz-only cohort. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies of each agent, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal events and injection-site reactions the most frequently reported adverse events. Lilly highlighted that these results support the dual benefit of metabolic and immunologic control in a single regimen, potentially addressing unmet needs in the estimated 2 million U.S. psoriatic arthritis patients living with obesity.

Shares of Ventyx Biosciences jumped 62.6% in after-hours trading following media reports that Eli Lilly is in advanced negotiations to acquire the San Diego–based biopharma for more than $1 billion. Ventyx’s lead candidate, an oral small molecule targeting inflammatory pathways in Crohn’s disease, recently completed a successful Phase IIb trial demonstrating a 45% clinical remission rate at 12 weeks. The acquisition would bolster Lilly’s autoimmune and obesity franchises by adding mid-stage assets in inflammatory bowel disease and potentially cardiovascular complications linked to obesity. Lilly’s management has indicated that strategic bolt-on deals remain a key pillar of their R&D diversification strategy, and closing is expected by mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals.