Novartis to Acquire Avidity Biosciences to Strengthen Neuroscience Pipeline

Novartis AG has announced an agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in RNA therapeutics for neuromuscular diseases. The acquisition, valued at USD 12 billion, will enhance Novartis's neuroscience pipeline with three late-stage programs targeting genetic neuromuscular diseases. The deal includes Avidity's innovative Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) platform, which enables targeted RNA delivery to muscle tissue. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and the separation of Avidity's early-stage precision cardiology programs into a new company, SpinCo. The acquisition is projected to increase Novartis's 2024-2029 sales CAGR from +5% to +6%, offering significant growth opportunities.