Novartis Makes Takeover Bid for Avidity Biosciences with $4.3B Market Value

Novartis has reportedly made a takeover offer for Avidity Biosciences, a biotech company with a market value of $4.3B. Avidity is developing medicines for muscular dystrophy and is working with advisers to assess its options. The deal could be a strategic move by Novartis to expand its biologics portfolio.

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has reportedly approached U.S. biotech company Avidity Biosciences for a potential takeover, according to reports from the Financial Times [1]. The deal, if successful, would be one of the largest acquisitions under Novartis' current CEO, Vas Narasimhan. Avidity Biosciences, with a market value of $4.3 billion, is developing treatments for rare muscle disorders, including muscular dystrophy.

The news of the potential acquisition sent Avidity Biosciences' stock surging by more than 21% in midday trading, reaching $46.66 per share [2]. The company's market capitalization has approached $6 billion following the report [3]. Avidity Biosciences has three drugs in clinical testing, two of which could potentially be "multibillion-dollar drugs," according to its CEO, Sarah Boyce [4].

The acquisition would align with Novartis' strategic focus on expanding its biologics portfolio and strengthening its position in the rare disease treatment market [2]. Both companies have declined to comment on the matter [1, 3].

The discussions are at an early stage, and there is no guarantee that a deal will materialize [2]. Avidity Biosciences is reportedly working with advisers to assess its options [2]. The potential acquisition would be a significant move for Novartis, aiming to bolster its pipeline of medicines targeting rare genetic disorders.

References:
[1] https://www.investors.com/news/technology/avidity-biosciences-novartis-rumored-takeover-deal/
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/avidity-biosciences-stock-soars-on-novartis-takeover-approach-report-4173978
[3] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novartis-weighs-deal-biotech-avidity-biosciences-ft-reports-2025-08-06/
[4] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3TY1ON:0-novartis-weighs-deal-for-biotech-avidity-biosciences-ft-reports/