RNA therapeutics
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Avidity Biosciences to be Acquired by 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.
