Paris, Jan 12, 2026, 11:17 CET — Regular session
- Abivax shares surged on renewed rumors that Eli Lilly might be considering a bid.
- According to French publication La Lettre, Lilly is preparing an offer that would value Abivax at 15 billion euros.
- Investors are eager for any official remarks at this week’s JPMorgan Healthcare Conference.
Shares in ABIVAX Société Anonyme surged Monday following a French media report that stirred new takeover speculation involving the biotech and U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. 1
The stock climbed roughly 22% to 120.60 euros, hitting a peak of 130 euros earlier, based on Euronext-tracked quotes. It closed at 99 euros on Friday. 2
Why it matters now: Abivax is among the busiest biotech stocks in Paris at these levels, with even whispers of a deal sending its shares sharply higher. A one-day surge above 20% puts short-term funds on edge and pushes longer-term holders to revisit the headlines, searching for any real news behind the spike.
On Monday, La Lettre reported that Lilly is gearing up to acquire Abivax for 15 billion euros. 3
Abivax CEO Marc de Garidel dismissed the takeover talk in a video interview, stating: “We are concentrating on developing this drug, bring it to the market … The rumours, speculations, we have no control over those.” Neither Abivax nor Lilly immediately responded to requests for comment, according to a Reuters report shared by MarketScreener. 4
The company’s value rests largely on its lead asset, obefazimod, an oral candidate targeting ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In July 2025, Abivax reported that its Phase 3 induction trials hit the primary endpoint of clinical remission at week eight with the 50 mg dose. (Phase 3 trials are late-stage tests aimed at supporting regulatory approval.) 5
Abivax’s shares on Nasdaq hovered near $114.40 in early trading in the United States, showing little movement.
Abivax’s jump caught attention amid a weaker European session, where caution dragged on regional stocks and banks. 6
Investors look for new cues from management during this week’s healthcare investor circuit. BiotechTV reported that de Garidel, in an interview recorded at San Francisco’s healthcare week, highlighted “key data” expected in 2026, particularly for ulcerative colitis maintenance and Crohn’s disease. 7
Aside from deal chatter, the next big date on many IBD agendas is ECCO’26 in Stockholm, set for Feb. 18–21. It’s a key event where companies typically unveil trial results and outline their next moves. 8
The risk is straightforward: this rally hinges on a report, not an official filing. If no buyer steps forward—or if either party downplays the news—the stock could easily reverse its gains, especially after climbing to record highs.
Traders are zeroing in on any new details from Abivax or Lilly at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, taking place Jan. 12–15 in San Francisco. 9
