Lilly buys trio of companies to boost infectious disease pipeline

Eli Lilly is acquiring three vaccine makers for nearly $4 billion, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The company has agreed to buy Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics, and Vaccine Company.

Curevo is developing a shingles shot, LimmaTech is developing vaccines against harmful bacteria, and Vaccine Company is producing vaccines against the Epstein-Barr virus.

The deals extend Lilly’s recent acquisition streak as it broadens its portfolio beyond obesity treatments into therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.