By Joe Stonor
Shares in Abivax rose on a report that Eli Lilly representatives met with French government officials to discuss acquiring the company.
Shares in the French drugmaker were up 14% at 114.4 euros in early afternoon European trading.
A delegation from Eli Lilly met with French Treasury officials on Dec. 10 to submit a takeover proposal to an initial test under French foreign direct investment rules, according to a report in French outlet La Lettre.
The news stoked further investor speculation that a deal between the two companies is near, after takeover rumors spurred Abivax higher last week.
Abivax shares have grown more than 14% since the start of the year. The company announced positive Phase 3 trial results for a drug to treat inflammatory bowel disease in July, while recent takeover speculation has spurred the stock higher.
An Eli Lilly spokesperson said, "we do not comment on business development activity." Abixav said it "does not comment on market rumors or speculation."
Write to Joe Stonor at josephmichael.stonor@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 22, 2025 10:13 ET (15:13 GMT)
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