06:18 AM EST, 01/07/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with the latest stock price movement in the headline and last paragraph.)

Eli Lilly ( LLY ) is in advanced talks to acquire Ventyx Biosciences ( VTYX ) for more than $1 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Ventyx develops pills to treat diseases such as Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis, the report said, adding that one of Ventyx's drug candidates is in testing to treat cardiovascular disease linked to obesity.

Lilly and Ventyx didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

Ventyx shares were up 68% in recent premarket activity Wednesday, while Lilly was little changed.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)