INDIANAPOLIS, June 24, 2026
Eli Lilly and Company announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc, strengthening its neuroscience portfolio with a promising pipeline of orexin receptor 2 agonists. Centessa is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing a new class of medicines for narcolepsy and other sleep-wake disorders. The acquisition expands Lilly’s capabilities in neuroscience and supports its strategy to develop innovative therapies for neurological conditions with significant unmet medical needs.
Acquisition Expands Orexin-Based Treatment Pipeline
Centessa’s lead programs target the orexin receptor 2, a critical regulator of wakefulness, alertness, and sleep stability. Dysfunction of the orexin system is a key cause of narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Beyond narcolepsy, orexin dysfunction is increasingly associated with other sleep-wake disorders, creating broader opportunities for developing novel therapies. By acquiring Centessa, Lilly gains access to a clinical-stage portfolio designed to explore the therapeutic potential of orexin biology across multiple neurological conditions.
Lilly Highlights Unmet Need in Sleep Disorders
Carole Ho, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Neuroscience, emphasized the importance of the orexin system in maintaining healthy brain function and regulating normal sleep patterns. She noted that disruptions in this pathway can severely impact patients living with narcolepsy and may contribute to additional neurological disorders involving disturbed sleep. According to Lilly, Centessa has built a strong clinical portfolio capable of addressing these challenges, and the company intends to accelerate the development of these investigational therapies to meet significant unmet patient needs.
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Strengthening Lilly’s Neuroscience Strategy
The acquisition reinforces Lilly’s long-term commitment to expanding its neuroscience research and development capabilities. Alongside its ongoing work in Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, diabetes, immunology, and oncology, the addition of Centessa further broadens Lilly’s pipeline of innovative medicines targeting complex neurological disorders. Leveraging expertise in biotechnology, chemistry, and genetic medicine, Lilly aims to rapidly advance the newly acquired orexin receptor agonist programs through clinical development, with the goal of delivering transformative treatment options for patients affected by narcolepsy and other sleep-wake disorders.
Source: Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly press release
