Regulus Therapeutics Advances with Novartis Acquisition
Deal News | May 01, 2025 | EIN
Novartis AG has entered into a merger agreement to acquire Regulus Therapeutics Inc., aiming to advance microRNA therapies for kidney diseases. This transaction values Regulus at up to $1.7 billion, focusing on its lead drug, Farabursen, which targets autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in ongoing Phase Ib trials. This acquisition supports Novartis’ strategy to innovate in first-in-class treatments, providing enhanced efficacy and safety over existing options. The merger is expected to close by the second half of 2025, pending customary conditions. Regulus CEO Jay Hagan emphasized the collaboration’s potential to benefit ADPKD patients, who currently have limited treatment options. Separately, Novartis has inked a separate $2.15 billion acquisition bid for Anthos Therapeutics’ biological treatment, aiming to prevent thrombosis and stroke with greater safety. This ongoing transaction is expected to complete in the first half of the current year.
Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
Geography
- Switzerland – Novartis AG, the acquiring company, is based in Switzerland, highlighting its role in the global pharmaceutical innovation and healthcare sectors.
- United States – Regulus Therapeutics, the target company, is located in the United States, and the regulatory environment influences transactional and developmental processes.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals – The industry is relevant as it involves the development and commercialization of drugs and therapies, evidenced by Novartis acquiring Regulus Therapeutics for its innovative treatment for kidney disease.
- Biotechnology – Regulus Therapeutics operates within the biotechnology sector, focusing on RNA-based therapeutics such as the microRNA inhibitor Farabursen aimed at treating genetic disorders like ADPKD.
- Healthcare – The healthcare industry is central in this case, with Novartis and Regulus working to address significant unmet medical needs in kidney disease and cardiovascular health through advanced therapies.
Financials
- 1,700,000,000 – The potential total equity value of Novartis' acquisition of Regulus Therapeutics to advance its microRNA inhibitor development.
- 2,150,000,000 – The potential additional payments in another merger agreement between Novartis and Anthos Therapeutics.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novartis AG | Acquirer | Company | A leading global healthcare company known for its innovative pharmaceuticals and commitment to addressing unmet medical needs. |
| Regulus Therapeutics Inc. | Target | Company | A biopharmaceutical company specializing in RNA-based therapeutics aimed at treating rare and serious diseases. |
| Anthos Therapeutics, Inc. | Other | Company | A company collaborating with Novartis to develop a biologic for thrombosis and stroke prevention as part of a separate acquisition. |