Core Insights - Swiss drugmaker Novartis has agreed to acquire Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion [1] Company Summary - The acquisition reflects Novartis's strategy to enhance its portfolio in the biotechnology sector [1] - Avidity Biosciences specializes in developing therapies using its proprietary Avidity technology platform [1] Industry Context - This acquisition indicates a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry towards consolidating biotech firms to leverage innovative technologies [1] - The deal highlights the competitive landscape in the biotech sector, where larger companies are seeking to acquire smaller firms with promising therapeutic platforms [1]

Core Insights - Novartis has announced an agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, focusing on RNA delivery therapeutics for neuromuscular diseases [2][3] - The acquisition is expected to enhance Novartis' neuroscience strategy and pipeline with potential first-in-class therapeutic candidates [4][5] Transaction Details - The acquisition will be executed through a merger with a newly formed subsidiary, with a total consideration of USD 12 billion in cash [7][8] - Avidity's shareholders will receive USD 72.00 per share, representing a 46% premium over the closing share price on October 24, 2025 [8] - The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [10] Strategic Implications - The acquisition is projected to raise Novartis' expected sales CAGR from +5% to +6% for the period 2024-2029, indicating significant growth potential [4][7] - Avidity's late-stage programs target serious genetic neuromuscular diseases, including myotonic dystrophy type 1, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy [5][6] Pipeline and Innovation - Avidity's Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) platform aims to deliver RNA therapeutics specifically to muscle tissue, addressing genetic causes of diseases [6][12] - The acquisition is expected to create an industry-leading pipeline, enhancing Novartis' capabilities in genetic neuromuscular diseases [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Novartis has announced an agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, focusing on RNA delivery therapeutics for neuromuscular diseases, which is expected to enhance Novartis's neuroscience strategy and pipeline [2][3][4] Company Overview - Avidity Biosciences specializes in developing Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) aimed at treating serious genetic neuromuscular diseases [3][12] - The acquisition will integrate Avidity's late-stage neuroscience programs into Novartis, providing access to a differentiated RNA-targeting delivery platform [3][4] Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Novartis's long-term neuroscience strategy, expanding its pipeline with potential near-term launches in genetically defined diseases with high unmet needs [5][8] - Avidity's programs include potential first-in-class therapies for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [5][6] Financial Impact - The proposed acquisition is expected to raise Novartis's projected sales CAGR for 2024-2029 from +5% to +6%, indicating a significant opportunity for shareholder returns [4][8] - The total consideration for the acquisition is approximately USD 12 billion, with Avidity shareholders receiving USD 72.00 per share, representing a 46% premium [7][8] Transaction Details - The acquisition will be executed through a merger with a newly formed subsidiary, and Avidity will separate its early-stage precision cardiology programs into a new entity prior to closing [7][9] - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and Avidity stockholder approval, with an expected closing in the first half of 2026 [10][8]

Core Insights - Novartis is reportedly close to acquiring Avidity Biosciences for over $70 per share, with an announcement potentially coming soon [1] - Avidity focuses on developing RNA therapeutics, specifically antibody oligonucleotide conjugates, which modify gene expression to treat diseases [2] Company Developments - Novartis is increasing its investment in research and development, committing $23 billion to enhance its U.S. infrastructure, including a new R&D hub in San Diego [3] - The company has made strategic partnerships with Anthos Therapeutics and Regulus Therapeutics to advance its drug development in cardiovascular and kidney diseases [3] Market Performance - Avidity's stock closed at $49.15, with a market capitalization of approximately $7.2 billion, reflecting a nearly 70% increase since the start of the year [4] - Novartis shares closed at $130.36 [4]

Group 1: Acquisition of Avidity Biosciences - Novartis AG is reportedly close to acquiring Avidity Biosciences Inc. for over $70 per share, with a potential announcement as early as October 26 [1][2] - The discussions for the acquisition have been ongoing since August 2025, indicating a strategic move by Novartis to expand its portfolio [5] Group 2: Recent Acquisitions - In September 2023, Novartis acquired Tourmaline Bio for $1.4 billion on a fully diluted basis, enhancing its biopharmaceutical capabilities [5] - Earlier in 2025, Novartis agreed to purchase Regulus Therapeutics for up to $1.7 billion, gaining access to an experimental drug for a life-threatening kidney disease [5] Group 3: New Product Approval - Novartis received US FDA approval for Remibrutinib, branded as Rhapsido, for treating chronic spontaneous urticaria, which affects patients' quality of life [4] - The drug has the potential to be approved for multiple conditions and could serve approximately 1.7 million patients in the US suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria [5]

Core Viewpoint - Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG is nearing an acquisition of U.S. biotech Avidity Biosciences for over $70 per share, indicating a strategic move to enhance its portfolio in the biotech sector [1] Company Summary - Novartis AG is actively pursuing the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, which reflects its ongoing strategy to expand its presence in the biotechnology market [1] - The acquisition price is reported to be over $70 per share, suggesting a significant valuation for Avidity Biosciences [1] Industry Summary - The potential acquisition highlights the increasing trend of consolidation within the biotech industry, as larger pharmaceutical companies seek to acquire innovative biotech firms to bolster their product pipelines [1]

Group 1: Novartis and Avidity Biosciences - Novartis AG is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Avidity Biosciences Inc., focusing on rare diseases [2] - Avidity's market capitalization was approximately $4.6 billion at the time of Novartis's interest [2] - Avidity specializes in developing Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs) for neuromuscular conditions such as DM1, FSHD, and DMD [2] Group 2: TotalEnergies and Mozambique LNG Project - TotalEnergies has reported a $4.5 billion increase in costs for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique since construction was halted in 2021 [3] - The project, initially valued at $20 billion, had its "force majeure" status lifted, but full construction restart depends on government approval of an updated development plan [3] - Once operational, the project is expected to significantly enhance Mozambique's position as an LNG exporter [3] Group 3: Geopolitical Developments - Russian air defense forces successfully shot down a drone targeting Moscow, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region [4] - Israeli Defense Minister reaffirmed defense commitments near the Lebanese border, indicating continued regional security concerns [5] - UK Prime Minister is set to visit Turkey for talks, including discussions on a multibillion-dollar Eurofighter Typhoon deal [6]

This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. Novartis is making one of the largest dealmaking gambles in its history, agreeing on Sunday to spend billions of dollars to acquire biotechnology company Avidity Biosciences, which is working on RNA medicines for rare neuromuscular conditions. Per deal terms, Novartis is paying $72 per share to acquire Avidity. The offer values Avidity at $12 billion and repre ...

Core Viewpoint - Novartis is in advanced discussions to acquire Avidity Biosciences, with an offer expected to exceed $70 per share [2] Company Summary - Novartis is a Swiss pharmaceutical company actively pursuing the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, a U.S.-based company [2] - The acquisition discussions indicate Novartis's strategy to expand its portfolio and enhance its market position [2] Financial Details - The proposed offer for Avidity Biosciences is reported to be over $70 per share, reflecting a significant valuation for the target company [2]

Novartis AG is nearing a deal to buy biotechnology company Avidity Biosciences Inc., according to a person familiar with the matter https://t.co/7FDQGbuqm0 ...