Eli Lilly purchased Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion to enter the field of in vivo CAR-T cell therapy.[1] Massachusetts-based Orna is developing treatments using its engineered circular RNA platform, with its lead candidate being ORN-252 for the treatment of B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.[1] Orna's technology combines engineered circular RNA with lipid nanoparticles to create cell therapy directly in the patient's body.[1] Lilly says Orna's platform can provide more durable expression of therapeutic proteins and unlock treatments not possible with current RNA or cell therapies.[1] Orna previously raised $221 million in Series B funding and is partnering with companies such as Merck and Vertex.[1] This acquisition provides Lilly with an extensive platform for long-term innovation in genetic medicine and in vivo cell engineering.[1]