## Abivax CEO Rejects Eli Lilly Takeover Rumors, Calls M&A Speculation a "Distraction"
**NEW YORK, Jan 20** – Abivax Chief Executive Marc de Garidel has emphatically rejected recent media speculation regarding a potential takeover by pharmaceutical heavyweight Eli Lilly, labeling the recurring reports of acquisition talks as mere "noise."
In an interview, de Garidel addressed the rumors that have recently surfaced in the French press, particularly concerning alleged preliminary discussions between Eli Lilly and French government authorities regarding a potential acquisition of the Paris-based biotech firm.
The CEO stressed that the ongoing market chatter about an administrative review was fundamentally incompatible with standard French foreign investment oversight mechanisms.
"There was no discussion on the acquisition of Abivax," de Garidel stated. "If there was a conversation, this would be illegal. The noise around this potential acquisition is a distraction, but our duty is not to be distracted."
### Regulatory Roadblocks and Valuation Spikes
Market speculation, fueled by investors looking to capitalize on volatility, has propelled Abivax's stock price to extreme heights. Shares rocketed by over 2,000% between July and December, reaching a peak of 145 euros, before settling closer to 101 euros after the French government publicly denied the initial acquisition rumors.
The underlying driver for this valuation surge remains the impressive late-stage clinical findings, released last July, for Abivax’s flagship inflammatory bowel disease candidate, Obefazimod.
De Garidel, a figure known for successfully executing high-value biotech sales to major pharmaceutical companies, detailed the mandatory sequence of events required for government involvement. He noted that while a prospective foreign buyer might meet with the finance ministry to understand the regulatory process, the official review of a foreign direct investment (FDI) cannot commence until a deal is formally announced.
"The first step before engaging the government on this foreign direct investment regulation must be a public transaction communicated between the acquirer and the acquiree. That has not happened," he explained. "Therefore, the idea that the ministry would have discussed the acquisition of Abivax cannot be real, because it would have required a formal announcement of both companies about the transaction."
### High-Value Asset and Future Funding
Investment banks have highlighted Abivax’s significant strategic appeal. Equity analysts at firms including Morgan Stanley, Piper Sandler, and Truist Financial recently elevated their price targets to between $140 and $145 per share. Their optimism is rooted in Obefazimod’s commercial potential to become a definitive treatment for ulcerative colitis and the company's clear profile as an attractive acquisition target.
J.P. Morgan estimates that Obefazimod is targeting a rapidly expanding U.S. inflammatory bowel disease market projected to surpass $25 billion by 2030. Furthermore, Obefazimod has demonstrated broad clinical activity, favorable tolerability, and early evidence of anti-fibrotic benefits—factors analysts believe significantly boost the drug’s strategic value for larger industry players.
De Garidel’s background only adds to the M&A excitement; since 2020, he oversaw the $2.1 billion sale of Corvidia Therapeutics to Novo Nordisk and the acquisition of CinCor Pharma by AstraZeneca for up to $1.8 billion.
While refusing to disclose details on any informal dialogues with potential industry partners, the CEO confirmed the company met with dozens of prospective investors at the recent J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference. Abivax currently holds enough capital to finance its operations into the fourth quarter of 2027 but acknowledges that it will require further funding to reach operational break-even.
A critical catalyst for the company is expected in late June, when Abivax is scheduled to report top-line Phase 3 maintenance data for Obefazimod in ulcerative colitis. A successful outcome would significantly mitigate investment risk and further enhance the firm’s attractiveness as a safer acquisition target.
Eli Lilly has maintained its policy of not commenting on business development activities.
