By Fineline Cube 
Swiss giant Novartis (NYSE: NVS) announced the completion of its acquisition of U.S.-based Regulus Therapeutics. Following the transaction, Regulus’ common stock has been delisted from Nasdaq, and the company is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Novartis.
Acquisition Details
This acquisition significantly strengthens Novartis’ renal disease research pipeline, particularly accelerating the clinical development of farabursen. Farabursen is a next-generation miR-17-targeting oligonucleotide therapy with kidney-specific targeting properties. It aims to slow cyst growth and kidney volume expansion, delaying disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients.
Clinical Trial Results
Regulus reported successful Phase 1b multiple-dose trial results in March 2025, showing a favorable safety and efficacy profile. Key biomarkers, including polycystin (PC) levels and reduced height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV), demonstrated significant improvement.
Transaction Overview
Novartis initially proposed an acquisition offer of USD 7 per share in cash plus a Contingent Value Right (CVR). The CVR entitles shareholders to an additional USD 7 payment upon achieving specified regulatory milestones. As of the offer expiration date, approximately 56.37 million shares were validly tendered, representing about 74.49% of Regulus’ outstanding shares. The acquisition was finalized through a merger of Novartis’ acquisition subsidiary with Regulus.-Fineline Info & Tech