Key takeaways Farmaceutische gigant Novartis heeft plannen aangekondigd om het Amerikaanse biotechbedrijf Avidity Biosciences over te nemen voor maar liefst 12 miljard dollar (10,3 miljard euro) in contanten. De overname betekent een premie van 46 procent ten opzichte van de slotkoers van het Avidity-aandeel op vrijdag, waardoor het bedrijf gewaardeerd wordt op 72 dollar (61,9 […]

Novartis has made an offer to acquire RNA therapeutic specialist Avidity Biosciences, according to an unconfirmed report.

(Reuters) -Swiss drugmaker Novartis (SIX:NOVN) has approached U.S. biotech Avidity Biosciences for a potential takeover offer, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Avidity rose 23% to $47.1. It has a market value of $4.6 billion, according to LSEG data. Novartis has been evaluating a bid for Avidity and expressed interest in an acquisition in recent weeks, the report said, in a move aimed at boosting the drugmaker’s pipeline of medicines targeting rare genetic disorders. The discussions were at an early stage, the report said, adding that the sources had cautioned that another suitor could emerge or talks could collapse. Avidity, which has been developing treatments for rare muscle disorders, is working with advisers to assess options, the people added. Novartis and Avidity declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Del-zota, Avidity’s lead drug, is in early to mid-stage development as a potential treatment for a rare form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The company is also working on two other drugs for serious muscle diseases. Novartis has been actively striking deals in 2025 as it looks to bolster its drug pipeline and drive future growth. In February, Novartis agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for $3.1 billion to enhance its cardiovascular portfolio. The company also struck a deal in April valued at up to $1.7 billion to acquire Regulus (NASDAQ:RGLS) Therapeutics, gaining access to an experimental treatment for a serious kidney disease. Additionally, last month Novartis partnered with Matchpoint Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $1 billion to develop oral medicines targeting several inflammatory conditions.

Investing.com -- Avidity Biosciences (NASDAQ:RNA) stock surged 18% Wednesday after the Financial Times reported that Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis (NYSE:NVS) has approached the rare disease-focused biotech company about a potential takeover. According to the report, which cited unidentified people familiar with the matter, Novartis has been evaluating a bid for Avidity and expressed interest in an acquisition in recent weeks. Avidity is reportedly working with advisers to assess its options. The discussions are said to be at an early stage, and there is no guarantee that a deal will materialize, according to the sources cited in the report. The news also lifted shares of Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN), a company operating in a similar space, which also jumped 18% on Wednesday. Novartis has been actively reshaping its portfolio in recent years, focusing on high-growth areas including rare diseases. Any potential acquisition of Avidity would align with this strategy, potentially strengthening Novartis’s position in the rare disease treatment market. Don't miss out on the next big opportunity! Stay ahead of the curve with ProPicks – 6 model portfolios fueled by AI stock picks with a stellar performance this year.. In 2024 alone, ProPicks' AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech Stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies. So if NOVN is on your watchlist, it could be very wise to know whether or not it made the ProPicks lists.

Principaux renseignements Le géant pharmaceutique Novartis a annoncé son projet d’acquérir la société biotechnologique américaine Avidity Biosciences pour 12 milliards de dollars (10,3 milliards d’euros) en espèces. Cette acquisition représente une prime de 46 pour cent par rapport au cours de clôture de l’action Avidity vendredi, valorisant l’entreprise à 72 dollars (61,9 euros) par action. […]