Novartis has completed its previously announced acquisition of US-based biopharmaceutical company Regulus Therapeutics for $1.7bn, strengthening its renal disease portfolio.

Shares of common stock of Regulus ceased trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market as the company became Novartis’ indirect wholly owned subsidiary.

The development follows an agreement in April 2025 in which Novartis signed an agreement to acquire Regulus and its oligonucleotide therapy, farabursen.

The transaction received unanimous approval from both companies' boards and includes a significant premium over recent stock prices for Regulus shareholders as well as contingent value rights (CVRs) tied to future regulatory successes.

56.4 million shares were tendered by the expiration date of 24 June 2025.

Farabursen is a next-generation oligonucleotide targeting miR-17 designed to combat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

In March 2025, a Phase Ib clinical trial showed positive results regarding safety and efficacy metrics such as urinary polycystin levels and height-adjusted total kidney volume — a crucial indicator in ADPKD progression.

Novartis president, development and chief medical officer Shreeram Aradhye stated: “We are pleased to complete this transaction and take the next step in advancing clinical development for a potential first-in-class medicine that can help treat patients suffering from ADPKD, the most common genetic cause of renal failure worldwide.

“We are excited to welcome the talented team at Regulus to Novartis as we continue to build on our pipeline in renal disease with high unmet medical need.”

After completing the tender offer process, Novartis finalised the merger with Redwood Merger Sub, effectively absorbing Regulus without requiring further stockholder votes according to Delaware General Corporation Law Section 251(h).