On October 26, 2025, Novartis announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Avidity Biosciences, a San Diego-based biopharmaceutical company focused on a new class of therapeutics enabling RNA delivery to muscle. The acquisition will follow the separation of Avidity’s early-stage precision cardiology programs. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Avidity Biosciences on patent matters related to the transaction.

The proposed acquisition will integrate Avidity’s late-stage neuroscience programs into Novartis, granting the company access to a unique RNA-targeting delivery platform. These programs are anticipated to enhance Novartis' neuroscience strategy and complement its existing pipeline with potential first-in-class therapeutic candidates that target the genetic causes of muscle-damaging conditions.

The proposed acquisition is contingent upon the successful completion of a spin-off or a sale of SpinCo along with other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of Avidity stockholders. The companies expect the merger to close in the first half of 2026, during which time Novartis and Avidity will continue to operate as separate and independent entities.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Avidity on patent matters related to the transaction includes Minyoung Shin and Michael Hostetler.

For more information, please see Novartis' news release. Additional coverage can be found on Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNBC.