Novartis enters agreement to acquire AveXis Inc. for USD 8.7 bn to transform care in SMA and expand position as a gene therapy and Neuroscience leader
- AveXis lead product candidate, AVXS-101, has potential to be first-ever one-time gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease which results in early death or lifelong disability with considerable healthcare costs
- AVXS-101 has Breakthrough therapy designation in the US, PRIME designation in the EU and Sakigake in Japan; expected US patient availability in 2019
- Financially attractive acquisition with multi-billion dollar peak sales potential; strong Core Operating Income and EPS contribution as of 2020
- AveXis offers a valuable gene therapy platform, with potential beyond SMA, and scalable manufacturing to accelerate potential future gene therapy programs and launches
- Deal completion expected in mid 2018
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Novartis Media Relations Central media line: +41 61 324 2200 E-mail: media.relations@novartis.comPaul Barrett Novartis Global External Communications +41 61 324 52 24 (direct) +41 79 797 8137 (mobile) paul.barrett@novartis.com | Antonio Ligi Novartis Global External Communications +41 61 324 13 74 (office) +41 79 723 36 81 (mobile) antonio.ligi@novartis.com |