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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Basel, Switzerland / San Diego, U.S. — October 26, 2025 — Novartis AG announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, Inc. for USD 12 billion (KRW 17.17 trillion), marking its largest acquisition in ten years and its second U.S. biotech takeover in two months, following last month’s purchase of Tourmaline Bio.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Avidity Biosciences specializes in developing novel RNA-based therapeutics using its proprietary antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) platform. The technology leverages antibodies to selectively deliver RNA to specific tissues, improving therapeutic precision and minimizing systemic side effects — a breakthrough approach for rare genetic neuromuscular and severe diseases.
With the acquisition, Novartis gains full access to Avidity’s RNA delivery platform, bolstering its position in rare disease and neuromuscular disorder treatments.
Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, stated:
“Avidity’s innovative AOC platform and late-stage clinical programs strengthen our commitment to leading the development of transformative therapies for progressive neuromuscular diseases. Two of Avidity’s three advanced candidates each have multi-billion-dollar annual sales potential, while the third could generate USD 500 million to USD 1 billion annually.”
Following the announcement, Novartis raised its 2024–2029 compound annual sales growth forecast from 5% to 6%, underscoring confidence in its expanded late-stage RNA and rare disease pipeline.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
