Novartis

Novartis intends to acquire Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion, a 46% premium, focusing on Avidity’s neuroscience pipeline and Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) platform enabling targeted RNA delivery. The deal hinges on spinning off Avidity’s cardiology programs into “SpinCo,” capitalized with $270 million. Novartis gains access to late-stage clinical programs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, aligning with its neuroscience portfolio. SpinCo will advance cardiology-focused AOC programs and existing collaborations. The acquisition awaits regulatory approval.

Novartis announced positive top-line results from Phase III trials (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2) evaluating ianalumab (VAY736) in Sjögren’s disease. Both trials met the primary endpoint, showing statistically significant reduction in disease activity. Ianalumab, with its dual mechanism, is poised to potentially be the first targeted treatment for this autoimmune condition. The drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile and will be submitted to global health authorities.