Avidity Biosciences Enters Merger Agreement with Novartis
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
In a regulatory filing, Avidity Biosciences (RNA) noted that as previously disclosed, the company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 25, 2025, with Novartis AG (NVS). On December 17, the FTC granted a request for the early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. "The expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act satisfies one of the conditions to the consummation of the Transactions. The consummation of the Transactions remains subject to completion of the separation of Atrium Therapeutics, Inc. from the Company and the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions as described in the preliminary proxy statement filed by the Company with the SEC, as amended," the filing stated.
Get Free Real-Time Notifications for Any Stock
Monitor tickers like NVS with instant alerts to capture every critical market movement.
Sign up for free to build your custom watchlist and receive professional-grade stock notifications.
Analyst Views on NVS
Wall Street analysts forecast NVS stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NVS is 127.75 USD with a low forecast of 112.00 USD and a high forecast of 143.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 147.870
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
Current: 147.870
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
About NVS
Novartis AG is a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company. The Company develops, manufactures, and markets branded and generic prescription drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biosimilars and ophthalmic products. The Company uses science and digital technologies for treatments in the disease areas of immunology, dermatology, cancer, ophthalmology, neuroscience, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism. The business activities of the Company are divided into two segments: Innovative Medicines, which includes innovative patent-protected prescription medicines for blood pressure, cancer and other ailments, and Sandoz, which includes generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Akeso's Ivonescimab Selected as Key Drug for 2026
- Industry Recognition: Akeso's ivonescimab has been included in FirstWord Pharma's list of 20 key drugs that will shape the global pharmaceutical industry in 2026, highlighting its significant role in innovative drug development and likely boosting the company's international recognition and competitiveness.
- Unique Advantage: As the only drug on the list originating from a Chinese innovative pharmaceutical company, ivonescimab's inclusion not only showcases China's rise in the global pharmaceutical sector but may also attract more investor interest in Akeso's R&D potential and market outlook.
- Global Strategy: Akeso is committed to its global
Continue Reading
Trump Administration Launches Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
- Expansion of Drug Negotiations: The Trump administration has expanded Medicare drug price negotiations to include treatments administered in doctors' offices for conditions such as diabetes and HIV, affecting 15 drugs set to take effect in 2028, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
- Spending Overview: According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, approximately 1.8 million beneficiaries utilized these medications between 2024 and 2025, accounting for about $27 billion in spending, highlighting the significance of Medicare expenditures in drug price negotiations.
- Pharmaceutical Impact Assessment: Analysts indicate that for 14 of the drugs, only Gilead's Biktarvy significantly impacts the company's estimated 2027 global sales, representing around 8%, while other drugs' Medicare revenue exposure is limited to 0% to 3%, suggesting minimal overall revenue impact for pharmaceutical companies.
- Kaiser Settlement on Fraud: Kaiser Permanente has agreed to a historic $556 million settlement over Medicare Advantage fraud allegations, reflecting the government's stringent enforcement stance on Medicare fraud, which could have far-reaching implications for the industry.
Continue Reading