Wind万得·2025-08-20 22:49Core Viewpoint - Novartis plans to acquire Avidity Biosciences, a leader in the AOC field with a market value of nearly $6 billion, to strengthen its pipeline in the rare disease treatment sector [3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The small nucleic acid drugs, including siRNA, ASO, and miRNA, are designed to regulate gene expression for disease treatment, offering breakthrough therapies for genetic, rare, and chronic diseases [4]. - Novartis faces a "patent cliff" with several blockbuster drugs, including Entresto, set to lose patent protection between 2025 and 2030, necessitating the acquisition of new pipeline assets to ensure future growth [5]. - Major pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly, have been actively acquiring and partnering in the small nucleic acid drug space to capture the potential market [6]. Group 2: AOC Development and Commercialization - AOC (Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates) represents an innovative delivery method for small nucleic acid drugs, combining the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies with the gene regulation capabilities of oligonucleotides [10]. - Avidity Biosciences is a leading player in the AOC field, with three pipelines in Phase III clinical trials, including a drug for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) that has shown promising results [12]. - The commercialization of AOC drugs is expected to accelerate, with several biotech companies entering late-stage clinical trials, aiming for market entry around 2026-2027 [11]. Group 3: Investment and Policy Support - The Chinese government continues to support the development of RNA and small nucleic acid drugs through funding initiatives aimed at overcoming core bottlenecks in drug creation [14]. - Recent financing activities in the small nucleic acid drug sector indicate growing interest and investment, with several companies securing significant funding [17]. - Novartis's acquisition of Avidity, if completed, would mark a significant milestone in the global AOC drug market, highlighting the increasing focus on innovative therapies [15].