Eli Lilly & Co. has agreed to acquire closely held US biotech Orna Therapeutics Inc. for up to $2.4 billion in cash, marking the pharmaceutical giant's second major acquisition in as many days. The deal represents Lilly's continued push to diversify its pipeline beyond its blockbuster obesity drug Zepbound, which has driven massive revenue growth.

Orna Therapeutics specializes in mRNA-based therapies and gene editing technologies, positioning it as a valuable addition to Lilly's research capabilities. This acquisition follows Lilly's recent purchase of another biotech firm, demonstrating the company's aggressive expansion strategy in the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector. The $2.4 billion valuation reflects the high premium investors are willing to pay for innovative biotech companies with promising therapeutic platforms.

The acquisition comes as Lilly seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the pharmaceutical industry, where obesity drugs have become a major revenue driver. By expanding into mRNA technology and gene editing, Lilly aims to build a more diverse portfolio that can sustain long-term growth beyond its current flagship products. The deal underscores the pharmaceutical industry's increasing focus on cutting-edge biotechnology as a source of future innovation and revenue streams.