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 ...

Summary of Avidity Biosciences FY Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus of the conference was on muscular dystrophies, particularly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) [1][24] - DMD is a multibillion-dollar market projected to grow to $3 billion by 2033 [1] - Other muscular dystrophies like DM1 and FSHD currently lack approved therapies, but promising treatments are in development [1] Key Points on DMD Treatments - Current DMD treatments include first-generation PMO exon-skipping therapies, new gene therapies, and steroids, but significant unmet needs remain, especially for non-ambulatory patients [2][3] - The FDA's approval of the first PMO exon-skipping therapy is seen as a watershed moment that opened investment in the DMD space [3][4] - The approval set a low regulatory bar, leading to increased investment and development of new therapies [3][5] - New technologies, such as Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), are being developed to improve dystrophin production and functional benefits [9][10] Clinical Data and Efficacy - AOCs have shown promising results, with 40% exon skipping and a 25% increase in dystrophin levels [10][11] - Creatine kinase (CK) levels, a measure of muscle damage, have returned to normal for many patients, indicating functional improvement [11][14] - The FDA's low bar for approval has allowed for a variety of therapies to enter the market, but safety and efficacy remain critical [16][19] Gene Therapy Insights - Sarepta Therapeutics' Elevidys gene therapy faced scrutiny but initially showed strong uptake due to the unmet need in DMD [16] - Avidity's approach focuses on optimizing the gene therapy construct and manufacturing processes to improve safety and efficacy [18][19] - The company has developed a microdystrophin that closely resembles natural dystrophin, aiming for higher expression and longer half-life [17][18] FSHD Developments - FSHD is characterized by the aberrant expression of the DUX4 transcription factor, which is toxic to muscle cells [26][27] - Avidity is using AOC technology to deliver silencing RNA to inhibit DUX4 expression, showing early signs of clinical benefit [27][30] - The identification of a circulating biomarker (C-DUX) for DUX4 may facilitate accelerated approval processes [29][32] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The DMD market is expected to see multiple effective therapies, with opportunities for various players due to the large unmet need [41][42] - The potential for combination therapies is highlighted, with patients and physicians open to using multiple modalities for better outcomes [47][48] - The FDA's accelerated approval pathway is anticipated to remain in place to encourage ongoing innovation in the muscular dystrophy space [49] Conclusion - The conference highlighted the significant advancements in genetic medicine for muscular dystrophies, the importance of regulatory pathways, and the potential for new therapies to address unmet needs in DMD and FSHD [1][41][49]

Group 1 - ClearBridge Investments reported that the third quarter of 2025 continued the market rally, driven by reduced policy uncertainty, a Fed rate cut, and retail enthusiasm, resulting in another double-digit gain. However, the ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Strategy underperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index, which gained 12.2% [1] - The underperformance was attributed to the smallest market caps, lowest returns on equity, and highest beta names [1] - The investor letter highlighted Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNA) as a key stock, which had a one-month return of 23.74% and a 52-week gain of 6.55%, closing at $49.77 per share with a market capitalization of $7.262 billion on October 10, 2025 [2] Group 2 - Avidity Biosciences, Inc. is focused on RNA therapeutics and has multiple late-stage development programs aimed at treating muscular dystrophy conditions, with promising early data suggesting potential benefits from upcoming clinical trial results [3] - Despite its potential, Avidity Biosciences, Inc. was not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 26 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, down from 28 in the previous quarter [4] - The analysis suggests that while Avidity Biosciences has investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Avidity Biosciences, Inc. will present late-breaking oral and poster presentations at the 30th Annual International Congress of the World Muscle Society (WMS) from October 7-11, 2025, in Vienna, Austria [1][2] - The data to be presented will build on positive findings from September 2025, showing reversal of disease progression and significant improvement in functional measures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients treated with delpacibart zotadirsen (del-zota) [2][7] - Del-zota is still investigational and has not received FDA approval, with its safety and efficacy yet to be established [2][5] Presentation Details - Oral presentation by Kevin M. Flanigan, M.D., scheduled for October 11, 2025, focusing on functional and patient-reported outcomes in DMD patients [7] - Poster presentation by Aravindhan Veerapandiyan, M.D., on October 8, 2025, highlighting increased dystrophin and improved muscle integrity markers in DMD patients [7] Company Overview - Avidity Biosciences is focused on developing a new class of RNA therapeutics known as Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), aiming to improve treatment for rare muscle diseases [5] - The company has demonstrated successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is advancing clinical programs for myotonic dystrophy type 1, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy [5] - Avidity is also expanding its pipeline to include precision cardiology candidates and programs in cardiology and immunology through partnerships [5]

Core Insights - Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNA) has been recognized as one of the best performing long-term stocks by analysts, following the announcement of positive one-year data for its del-zota treatment in trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients [1] - The management highlighted that the data indicates a reversal of disease progression and significant functional improvements compared to baseline and natural history [2] Trial Results - Trial participants exhibited approximately a 25% increase in dystrophin levels and up to 58% restoration of total dystrophin levels [3] - Creatine kinase (CK), a muscle damage marker, decreased by over 80% and remained near normal levels [3] - Avidity Biosciences plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA by the end of 2025 for accelerated approval, representing a significant advancement in treatment options for this severe genetic condition [3] Company Overview - Avidity Biosciences is focused on developing a new class of RNA therapies known as Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates [4]