Novartis buying AveXis for $8.7 billion Tim Stumm 7 years ago Swiss drugmaker Novartis is buying Bannockburn-based AveXis for $8.7 billion. The biotech company focuses on treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases.To access this content, you must purchase 1 Year Health News Illinois Subscription or 1 Year Group Subscription - Up to 5 Users, or log in if you are a member.