Novartis buys Avidity in $12bn genetic therapy deal

October 27, 2025 (MLN): Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG informed on Sunday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, a US-based biopharmaceutical firm, in a deal valued at approximately $12 billion.

In an official statement, Novartis said the proposed acquisition will strengthen its leadership in genetic neuromuscular and RNA-based therapies, combining its existing expertise in spinal muscular atrophy with Avidity’s advanced RNA-targeting platform.

“The proposed acquisition is expected to create an industry-leading pipeline, building on Novartis' expertise in spinal muscular atrophy and commercialisation capabilities in genetic neuromuscular diseases,” the company stated.

The acquisition will bring Avidity’s late-stage neuroscience programmes into the Novartis portfolio, providing access to what Novartis described as a “differentiated RNA-targeting delivery platform”.

Under the terms of the agreement, Avidity shareholders will receive $72 per share in cash upon closing, representing a 46% premium over the company’s closing price on Friday. The deal values Avidity at about $12bn on a fully diluted basis, with an enterprise value of roughly $11bn.

Before the transaction closes, Avidity’s early-stage precision cardiology programs will be spun off into a new, independent company.

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Until then, both companies will continue to operate independently.

If successful, the deal will mark one of Novartis’ largest acquisitions in recent years, reinforcing its strategic push into RNA therapeutics and neuroscience innovation.

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