Novartis announced it will acquire Avidity Biosciences for roughly $12 billion, purchasing a late-stage pipeline built on antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) designed to deliver RNA to muscle tissue. The deal transfers three registrational-stage programs—targets include Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy—into Novartis’ neuroscience remit. Company statements and regulatory timelines indicate Novartis expects to accelerate BLA/BLA-like submissions and position the assets for global launches before 2030. Avidity will spin early-stage cardiology programs into a separate entity, with Novartis retaining rights to late-stage candidates. The transaction underscores a strategic push to solve oligonucleotide delivery challenges and extend RNA-drug reach into muscle disorders. Analysts and company spokespeople framed the purchase as a delivery-technology acquisition: Novartis gains an AOC platform plus near-term regulatory-enabling data. Investors reacted strongly at market open, lifting Avidity shares on the premium bid.