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Eli Lilly Strikes $2.75 Billion AI Drug Discovery Deal With InSilico
The partnership aims to leverage InSilico's AI-powered drug development capabilities to create new treatments across multiple therapeutic areas.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:11am
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Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has signed a drug discovery deal with Hong Kong-listed AI biotech company InSilico that could be worth up to $2.75 billion. Under the agreement, InSilico will receive an upfront payment of $115 million and is eligible for additional milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on future drug sales. Eli Lilly will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture and sell new oral treatments discovered using InSilico's Pharma.AI platform across multiple therapeutic areas.
Why it matters
The deal highlights the growing importance of AI-powered drug discovery as global pharmaceutical companies look to tap into China's burgeoning biotech research pipeline. It also reflects Eli Lilly's strategy to expand its presence in the Chinese market, which has become a major hub for drug innovation in recent years.
The details
The partnership will focus on developing best-in-class oral treatments using InSilico's AI-driven drug discovery technology. The companies will also collaborate on multiple R&D programs to identify new drug targets. InSilico, which conducts its drug R&D in China and is backed by the Hong Kong government's investment arm, will receive the upfront payment and is eligible for additional milestone payments based on the progress of the joint programs.
- The deal was announced on March 30, 2026.
- The partnership between Eli Lilly and InSilico began in 2023.
The players
Eli Lilly
A global pharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures medicines, including treatments for diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders.
InSilico
A Hong Kong-listed AI biotech company that specializes in developing drug discovery technology powered by artificial intelligence and automation. InSilico conducts its drug R&D in China and is backed by the Hong Kong government's investment arm.
Andrew Adams
Eli Lilly's vice president of molecule discovery.
Cui Cui
Jefferies's head of Asia healthcare research.
What they’re saying
“Insilico's AI-enabled discovery capabilities represent a powerful complement to Lilly's deep expertise in clinical development across multiple therapeutic areas.”
— Andrew Adams, Eli Lilly vice president of molecule discovery
“We believe Chinese biotechs are reshaping the U.S. biopharma landscape. Assets from China are easing pricing pressures for multinational drugmakers in a timely and cost-effective way.”
— Cui Cui, Jefferies's head of Asia healthcare research
What’s next
The partnership between Eli Lilly and InSilico will focus on developing new oral treatments using InSilico's AI-powered drug discovery platform. The companies will also collaborate on multiple R&D programs to identify new drug targets.
The takeaway
This deal highlights the growing importance of AI-driven drug discovery as global pharmaceutical companies seek to tap into China's thriving biotech research ecosystem. It also reflects Eli Lilly's strategy to expand its presence in the Chinese market, which has become a major hub for pharmaceutical innovation.
