Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc, through its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, and delivers orexin-based neuroscience therapeutics in the United Kingdom and the United States. Its lead candidate ORX750, an orexin receptor 2 agonist, is in a Phase IIa clinical trial for central disorders of hypersomnolence, including narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia. The company is also developing ORX142 in a Phase I trial for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, ORX489 in a Phase I trial for neuropsychiatric disorders, and LockBody, an early-stage immuno-oncology technology platform. Incorporated in 2020, Centessa is headquartered in Altrincham, the United Kingdom.
UK court approves Lilly's $7.8B Centessa acquisition The UK High Court approved Eli Lilly's $7.8 billion buyout of Centessa. Shareholders get $38 per share in cash plus a contingent value right worth up to $9 more if milestones are met. This locked in the deal price and removed uncertainty, pushing CNTA toward the buyout value.
This is the key regulatory approval that made the buyout final and set the exact payout for shareholders.
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Lilly completes Centessa acquisition; CNTA delisted Eli Lilly closed its acquisition of Centessa on June 24, 2026. CNTA shares stopped trading on Nasdaq, and shareholders received the cash and CVR payout. This is the final step that turned the buyout into real money for investors.
This is the event that ended CNTA's life as a public stock and delivered the buyout proceeds to shareholders.
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Biopharma M&A hits six-year high, validating Centessa's sale PwC reported Q1 2026 pharma deal value topped $65 billion, the strongest since 2020, driven by a huge patent cliff. Lilly's $7.8 billion Centessa purchase was a highlight. This confirms Centessa was bought in a hot market, supporting the deal price and CVR potential.
It shows the broader M&A boom that made Centessa's buyout possible and validates the valuation.
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Biotech named hottest market group after Centessa deal Jim Cramer called biotech the hottest group, citing a 51% biotech ETF gain and a deal surge under new FDA leadership. He noted Lilly's acquisitions, including Centessa. This keeps investor attention on biotech M&A, which can lift CVR expectations and similar stocks.
It reflects ongoing market enthusiasm for biotech deals, which supports the value of Centessa's CVR and the sector.
UK court approves Lilly's $7.8B Centessa acquisition The UK High Court approved Eli Lilly's $7.8 billion buyout of Centessa. Shareholders get $38 per share in cash plus a contingent value right worth up to $9 more if milestones are met. This locked in the deal price and removed uncertainty, pushing CNTA toward the buyout value.
This is the key regulatory approval that made the buyout final and set the exact payout for shareholders.
▲
Lilly completes Centessa acquisition; CNTA delisted Eli Lilly closed its acquisition of Centessa on June 24, 2026. CNTA shares stopped trading on Nasdaq, and shareholders received the cash and CVR payout. This is the final step that turned the buyout into real money for investors.
This is the event that ended CNTA's life as a public stock and delivered the buyout proceeds to shareholders.
▲
Biopharma M&A hits six-year high, validating Centessa's sale PwC reported Q1 2026 pharma deal value topped $65 billion, the strongest since 2020, driven by a huge patent cliff. Lilly's $7.8 billion Centessa purchase was a highlight. This confirms Centessa was bought in a hot market, supporting the deal price and CVR potential.
It shows the broader M&A boom that made Centessa's buyout possible and validates the valuation.
▲
Biotech named hottest market group after Centessa deal Jim Cramer called biotech the hottest group, citing a 51% biotech ETF gain and a deal surge under new FDA leadership. He noted Lilly's acquisitions, including Centessa. This keeps investor attention on biotech M&A, which can lift CVR expectations and similar stocks.
It reflects ongoing market enthusiasm for biotech deals, which supports the value of Centessa's CVR and the sector.
News & notes movingCNTA
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Biotech & Genomic Medicine▲
Caion Signs Joint Research Agreement with FRONTEO for AI Drug Discovery
Caion has entered into a joint research agreement with FRONTEO regarding AI drug discovery. Additionally, CAPITA will record a special gain in the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2027 due to the sale of idle land. JMHD has revised down its consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending July 2026. Nexera has received a milestone payment of $86 million from Centessa based on progress in late-stage development. DWTi has decided on a domestic development plan for its glaucoma treatment agent H-1337. Blangista has seen additional share acquisition by SBINM LLC in connection with the strengthening of capital ties with SBI.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › AI Drug Discovery Technology
2158.JP · Technology · Positive FRONTEO signed a joint research agreement with Caion for AI drug discovery.
4565.JP · Capital · Positive Nexera received an $86 million milestone payment from Centessa based on late-stage development progress.
4576.JP · Technology · Positive DWTi decided on a domestic development plan for its glaucoma treatment agent H-1337.
CPI.LSE · Capital · Positive CAPITA will record a special gain in Q2 FY ending March 2027 from the sale of idle land.
6176.JP · Capital · Neutral SBINM LLC acquired additional Brangista shares in connection with strengthening capital ties with SBI; effect on Brangista is unclear.
CNTA · Demand · Positive Centessa paid an $86 million milestone to Nexera based on progress in late-stage development, indicating advancement of its pipeline.
Nxera Pharma to Receive $8.6 Million Milestone from Centessa
Nxera Pharma announced it will receive an $8.6 million milestone payment from Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, following late-stage development progress in its selective orexin receptor 2 agonist portfolio. The payment, triggered under Nxera's research collaboration with Centessa, will be recognized as revenue in the third quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Lilly completed its acquisition of Centessa on June 24, 2026, gaining ownership of the OX2R agonist pipeline, which includes clinical-stage molecules for sleep-wake and neurological disorders. Nxera retains rights to future development and commercialization milestones and royalties from the programs. CEO Christopher Cargill expressed satisfaction with the clinical progress and the portfolio's potential to address major unmet needs.
4565.JP · Capital · Positive Nxera receives an $8.6 million milestone payment, recognized as revenue in Q3 FY2026, with future milestones and royalties retained.
CNTA · · Neutral Centessa is the collaboration counterparty whose late-stage OX2R progress triggered the milestone, but the payment goes to Nxera, not Centessa.
Nxera Pharma swings to net profit of JPY 1,591 million in first half of FY2026
Nxera Pharma reported a net profit of JPY 1,591 million (US$10.1 million) for the six months ended 30 June 2026, reversing a net loss of JPY 3,137 million (US$21.1 million) in the prior corresponding period. Revenue totalled JPY 18,910 million (US$119.6 million), an increase of JPY 3,815 million (US$18.0 million) versus the prior corresponding period, driven by eight R&D milestone events in the current quarter compared with five a year earlier. Operating profit reached JPY 1,881 million (US$11.9 million) against an operating loss of JPY 2,756 million (US$18.5 million), while core operating profit surged to JPY 6,494 million (US$41.1 million) from JPY 364 million (US$2.5 million). The company highlighted progress across partnered programs, including milestone payments from Neurocrine Biosciences, AbbVie, and Centessa Pharmaceuticals, and noted that Lilly's acquisition of Centessa does not affect Nxera's rights to future milestone and royalty payments from the jointly created orexin receptor agonist pipeline.
Eli Lilly narrows revenue gap with Johnson & Johnson amid diverging growth trends
Eli Lilly has been closing the quarterly revenue gap with Johnson & Johnson, posting consistent sequential increases while Johnson & Johnson maintained a higher but flatter baseline over roughly the last eight quarters. Johnson & Johnson reported $25.3 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2026, compared with Eli Lilly's $19.8 billion for the quarter ended March 2026, with Eli Lilly's Q2 2026 results not yet reported. Eli Lilly recorded a net income margin of about 37% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, while Johnson & Johnson posted about 22% for the quarter ended June 28, 2026. Both companies continue to make strategic acquisitions, with Johnson & Johnson entering a definitive agreement to acquire Firefly Bio and Eli Lilly completing the acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals.
Jim Cramer Says Biotech Is the Hottest Group in the Market Right Now
CNBC's Jim Cramer declared biotech the hottest group in the market, citing a 51% return for the iShares Biotechnology ETF over the past year and a surge in dealmaking following a leadership change at the FDA. Cramer noted that the prior administration nearly blocked an Amgen acquisition, but with new FDA leadership, his sources expect deals to flood the market. Eli Lilly, a $1.16 trillion pharma giant, has already announced four acquisitions in the first quarter of 2026, including Orna Therapeutics, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, Kelonia Therapeutics, and Ajax Therapeutics, fueled by strong sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound. Cramer also highlighted Alnylam Pharmaceuticals as a prime takeover target, with its stock down 21% year-to-date despite 187% revenue growth and a surging TTR drug franchise. He advised investors to be long biotech, a call he has not made in ages.
Eli Lilly Gains Over 6% in a Month, Analysts See More Upside
Eli Lilly and Company has gained roughly 6% over the past 30 days, and the Street expects more than 13.6% upside from the current level. On June 25, Leerink analyst David Risinger raised the firm's price target on the stock from $1,119 to $1,232 while maintaining an Outperform rating, and on June 22, Berenberg analyst Kerry Holford raised the target to $1,135 from $1,050 with a Hold rating. The ratings reflect strong demand for metabolic treatments Mounjaro and Zepbound, as well as the June 24 completion of the acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage company focused on orexin receptor 2 agonists for narcolepsy and other sleep-wake disorders, which signals Lilly's push into neuroscience and sleep medicine.
Eli Lilly Acquires Centessa Pharmaceuticals to Advance Orexin Receptor 2 Agonists
Eli Lilly completed its acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals on June 24, aiming to advance the development of orexin receptor 2 agonists. This new class of medicine is designed to treat narcolepsy and other sleep-wake disorders by targeting the brain's natural systems for maintaining alertness and sleep stability. The company plans to urgently utilize Centessa's clinical portfolio to address the profound impacts of sleep disruption and explore the orexin system's broader potential for brain health. The acquisition aligns with Eli Lilly's focus on pioneering discoveries across diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, and immunology.
UK High Court approves Eli Lilly's $7.8 billion acquisition of Centessa
The High Court of Justice of England and Wales has approved Eli Lilly's proposed acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals. The deal values Centessa at $38.00 per share in cash plus one non-transferable contingent value right entitling holders to up to $9.00 per share upon achievement of three milestones, for a total transaction value of approximately $7.8 billion. The court issued the order sanctioning the scheme of arrangement, and closing is expected on June 24, 2026, upon delivery of the order to the Registrar of Companies. Trading in Centessa American Depositary Shares on Nasdaq is expected to be halted before the opening on June 24, with the last trading day being June 23.
Eli Lilly Spent Over $25 Billion on Acquisitions This Year, With Seven Deals in the Last Three Months
Eli Lilly has announced more than $25 billion in acquisitions across roughly 10 deals this year, with seven of them reported in the last three months alone, as the company diversifies beyond metabolic medicine. The largest of these is the $6.3 billion upfront purchase of Centessa Pharmaceuticals, which could reach $7.8 billion with milestones and brings a trio of mid-stage sleep medicine programs, including the oral orexin 2 receptor agonist cleminorexton for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. In oncology, Lilly acquired Kelonia Therapeutics for $3.3 billion upfront and up to $7 billion total to gain an in-vivo CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, CrossBridge Bio for up to $300 million for its dual-payload antibody-drug conjugate platform, and Ajax Therapeutics for up to $2.3 billion to add a phase 1 type II JAK2 inhibitor for myelofibrosis. These deals collectively give Lilly new therapy platforms in cancer and a new franchise in sleep disorders, positioning the company for long-term growth beyond its traditional focus.
Biopharma industry confidence hits four-year high despite geopolitical headwinds
Biopharma executives' confidence in the industry has reached its highest point in four years, with 55% of surveyed professionals feeling optimistic or very optimistic about growth over the next 12 months, up from 46% in 2023, according to GlobalData's State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry 2026 mid-year update. The survey of 157 pharmaceutical professionals found that 69% of respondents highlighted US tariffs and government actions as the biggest policy concern, a figure that rose to 78% among European respondents. Deal activity has surged, with first-quarter 2026 M&A deal value rising 71% year over year and life sciences and pharma deals surpassing $65 billion, the strongest quarter since 2020. Notable transactions include Eli Lilly's acquisition of 10 companies this year, led by a $7.8 billion deal for Centessa, while the second quarter saw Sun Pharma's $11.75 billion takeover of Organon and GSK's $10.6 billion acquisition of Nuvalent. The IPO market has also resurged, with activity up 210%, and Parabilis Medicines set a new biotech IPO record with a $670 million Nasdaq listing just two months after Kailera Therapeutics raised $625 million.
CNTA · Capital · Positive Eli Lilly's $7.8 billion acquisition of Centessa is a major M&A event that validates Centessa's value.
GSK.LSE · Capital · Positive GSK's $10.6 billion acquisition of Nuvalent is a major M&A deal that signals GSK's strategic growth.
LLY · Capital · Positive Eli Lilly's acquisition of 10 companies this year, led by a $7.8 billion deal for Centessa, signals aggressive M&A strategy and industry confidence.
NUVL · Capital · Positive GSK's $10.6 billion acquisition of Nuvalent is a major M&A event that validates Nuvalent's value.
OGN · Capital · Positive Sun Pharma's $11.75 billion takeover of Organon is a significant M&A deal that boosts Organon's valuation.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd · Capital · Positive Sun Pharma's $11.75 billion acquisition of Organon is a major M&A deal, boosting its pipeline and scale.
Biopharma M&A hits six-year high with $65 billion in first-quarter deals
PwC reports that US pharma and life sciences deal value surpassed $65 billion in the first quarter of 2026, the strongest quarter since pandemic-related highs in 2020. The surge is driven by the largest patent cliff in industry history, with more than $300 billion in branded pharma revenue exposed, forcing companies to pursue acquisitions in areas like GLP-1 receptor agonists, RNA therapeutics, and antibody-drug conjugates. Eli Lilly has been the most active buyer, purchasing 10 companies this year including a $7.8 billion deal for Centessa. The momentum continued into the second quarter with Sun Pharma's $11.75 billion takeover of Organon and GSK's $10.6 billion acquisition of Nuvalent. PwC expects M&A to remain strong through year-end as large-cap pharma fills loss-of-exclusivity gaps, while a resurgent IPO market saw Parabilis Medicines raise a record $670 million in the largest biotech IPO ever.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Competition
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) ▲Capital
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › RNA Therapeutics ▲Capital
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › AI Drug Discovery ▲Capital
CNTA · Capital · Positive Centessa was acquired by Eli Lilly for $7.8B, a deal that provides a significant exit for shareholders.
NUVL · Capital · Positive Nuvalent is being acquired by GSK for $10.6B, a significant premium that benefits shareholders.
OGN · Capital · Positive Organon is being acquired by Sun Pharma for $11.75B, a takeover that provides a premium to shareholders.
GSK.LSE · Capital · Positive GSK is acquiring Nuvalent for $10.6B, a strategic acquisition to fill pipeline gaps.
LLY · Capital · Positive Eli Lilly is the most active buyer, purchasing 10 companies including a $7.8B deal for Centessa, indicating aggressive M&A strategy to address patent cliff.
PBLS · Capital · Positive Parabilis Medicines raised a record $670 million in the largest biotech IPO ever, a positive capital event.