News Article

Global pharmaceutical and healthcare company Novartis has agreed to acquire biopharmaceutical company Avidity Biosciences for around $12 billion . The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026 and follows Avidity’s separation of its early-stage precision cardiology programs into a new publicly traded entity SpinCo.

The move significantly strengthens Novartis’ neuroscience franchise by adding three late-stage neuromuscular disease programs, building on the company’s existing expertise with one-time gene therapy Zolgensma in spinal muscular atrophy.

Avidity’s proprietary AOC platform (Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates) enables targeted RNA delivery to muscle tissue – a capability previously unattainable in the field.

For investors, this represents a bolt-on acquisition that addresses Novartis’ upcoming patent cliff while accelerating growth through scientifically differentiated assets.

Operators should note the strategic fit with Novartis’ commercial infrastructure in rare diseases and the potential for platform expansion beyond neuromuscular indications. With three near-term catalysts expected in 2Q 2026 the acquisition positions Novartis to deliver meaningful shareholder returns through the 2030s.