Eli Lilly’s $2.6B Bet on ABL Bio’s Brain-Targeting Drug Technology

A $2.6B gamble on revolutionary drug delivery could redefine treatment for neurological diseases. Why Eli Lilly is betting big on ABL Bio’s breakthrough.

, and Administrator

2025 November 18 . 1:09 AM

1 min read

This image is clicked in a room, where it looks like Store. There are so many bottles in this image... — This image is clicked in a room, where it looks like Store. There are so many bottles in this image and cans. There is a Banner in the middle which is indicating Supra brand. Bottom right corner there is a logo LM.

Eli Lilly’s $2.6B Bet on ABL Bio’s Brain-Targeting Drug Technology

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has inked a significant agreement with ABL Bio to leverage its Grabody platform, a technology designed to breach the blood-brain barrier and deliver drugs to the brain. The deal, potentially worth up to $2.6 billion, includes an initial payment of $40 million and subsequent milestone payments. This follows a similar collaboration between ABL Bio and GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK), valued up to £2.845 billion, for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

The Grabody platform functions as a 'blood-brain barrier shuttle', targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) to transport therapeutic agents into the brain. ABL Bio's bispecific antibodies, developed using this technology, aim to treat intricate neurological conditions by overcoming the barrier that typically hinders drug delivery to the brain.

The partnership between Eli Lilly and ABL Bio broadens the application of the Grabody platform in neurological drug development. With multiple high-value collaborations now established, ABL Bio's technology is demonstrating its potential to enhance brain-targeted treatments. The deal bolsters Eli Lilly's position in tackling complex neurological disorders through innovative drug delivery methods.