Singapore, June 1 -- US-based Eli Lilly and Company has announced agreements to acquire three companies, Curevo Inc., LimmaTech Biologics AG, and Vaccine Company, Inc., that expand its research and development efforts into infectious disease. The transactions advance Lilly's strategy of investing in differentiated technology platforms to address significant health problems.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will acquire Curevo and Curevo shareholders could receive up to $1.5 billion in cash, inclusive of an upfront payment and subsequent payment upon achievement of a specified milestone. Curevo's lead product candidate is amezosvatein, an adjuvanted subunit vaccine for the prevention of shingles in adults.

Further, Lilly will acqu...