Novartis to Acquire Kidney-Focused Biotech Regulus Therapeutics

Regulus Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, announced that it will be acquired by Novartis.

Regulus is focused on discovering and developing medicines targeting microRNAs. Its leading product candidate is farabursen, a novel oligonucleotide for the treatment of autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) designed to inhibit miR-17 and to preferentially target the kidney.

“With limited treatment options currently available for patients suffering from ADPKD, farabursen represents a potential first-in-class medicine with a profile that may provide enhanced efficacy, tolerability, and safety versus standard of care,” Shreeram Aradhye, president of development and chief medical officer of Novartis, said in a statement.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

Source: Regulus Therapeutics. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://ir.regulusrx.com/2025-04-30-Regulus-Therapeutics-Enters-into-Agreement-to-be-Acquired-by-Novartis-AG