Novartis Acquires Avidity Biosciences in $12 Billion Deal; Palantir to Partner with Polish Defence Ministry

Group 1: Novartis and Avidity Biosciences Acquisition - Novartis AG has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion, paying $72 per share, which represents a 46% premium over Avidity's recent trading levels [2][3][8] - The acquisition aims to strengthen Novartis's late-stage neuroscience pipeline and expand its capabilities in RNA therapeutics [2][3] - Avidity Biosciences has three drugs in clinical trials targeting muscular dystrophy, including an investigational antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA [3][8] Group 2: Palantir Technologies - Palantir Technologies is set to sign a letter of intent with the Polish Defence Ministry, indicating a deepening partnership in the defense sector [4][8] Group 3: Hurricane Melissa - Major Hurricane Melissa is being investigated by Air Force Hurricane Hunters, with life-threatening flash floods anticipated in Jamaica and Southern Hispaniola [5][8] Group 4: Sudan Conflict - The Rapid Support Forces in Sudan claim to have gained control of the army's command in Al-Fashir, marking a significant military achievement and a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict [6][8]