Novartis Acquires Regulus Therapeutics for ADPKD Therapy
Written on . Posted in News and Events.
Novartis has announced an agreement to acquire Regulus Therapeutics, a San Diego-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing microRNA therapeutics. Regulus' lead asset, farabursen, is a potential first-in-class, next-generation oligonucleotide targeting miR-17 for treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
The transaction includes USD 0.8 billion upfront with a potential additional USD 0.9 billion payment upon achievement of future regulatory milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
Farabursen recently completed a Phase 1b multiple-ascending dose clinical trial.
Novartis notes that "this deal is fully in line with the therapeutic area focus of Novartis" and leverages the company's "strength and expertise in renal disease."
The PKD International board remains in contact with Regulus to ensure the patient perspective is considered in future developments.