Eli Lilly announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ajax Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.3 billion, including upfront payment and clinical and regulatory milestone payments12
AJ1-11095 is a first-in-class Type II JAK2 inhibitor currently in Phase 1 clinical development for patients with myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera12
Unlike existing Type I JAK2 inhibitors such as Jakavi and Inrebic, AJ1-11095 is designed to bind to the Type II conformation of JAK2, potentially delivering deeper and more durable efficacy12
The Phase 1 trial began in late 2024, and clinical proof-of-concept data is expected later in 202612
Lilly was a founding strategic investor in Ajax, having participated in a $95 million Series C funding round in 20241
This acquisition is part of Lilly's ongoing M&A strategy funded by revenue from Mounjaro, with other recent acquisitions including Verve Therapeutics, Ventyx Biotech, and Kelonia Therapeutics1
Sources:
1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/lilly-continues-ma-streak-23b-deal-next-gen-jak-inhibitor-biotech-ajax
2. https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2026-04/68311328-eli-lilly-and-company-lilly-to-acquire-ajax-therapeutics-to-advance-outcomes-for-patients-with-myelofibrosis-and-polycythemia-vera-008.htm