Medicines Co. Is Said to Attract Suitors Including Novartis (3)

Medicines Co., the developer of a promising cholesterol drug, has attracted takeover interest from suitors including Novartis AG, people familiar with the matter said.

Novartis has been holding talks about a potential acquisition of Parsippany, New Jersey-based Medicines Co., according to the people. The Swiss drugmaker is conducting due diligence on the company, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

Other potential acquirers have also expressed interest in a purchase of Medicines Co., and there’s no certainty an agreement will be reached, the people said. Shares of Medicines Co. have...