Novartis has agreed to acquire Tourmaline Bio in a deal valued at $1.4 billion, adding the investigational anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody pacibekitug to its cardiovascular pipeline. The acquisition supports Novartis' strategy of targeting inflammation as a key driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

The New York-based Tourmaline is developing pacibekitug as a treatment for residual inflammatory risk in ASCVD, an area where no anti-inflammatory therapy is currently widely adopted. The drug has completed Phase 2 testing and is considered ready for Phase 3 trials.

“Pacibekitug represents a potential breakthrough in addressing residual inflammatory risk in ASCVD with a differentiated mechanism of action targeting IL-6,” said Shreeram Aradhye, president of development and chief medical officer at Novartis. “Inflammation is a major driver of cardiovascular disease, and the team at Tourmaline has made significant progress with this asset.”
Pacibekitug is designed to reduce systemic inflammation by binding to interleukin-6 (IL-6), an upstream cytokine implicated in cardiovascular risk. Results from the TRANQUILITY Phase 2 study, released in May, showed reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of 85% and 86% over 90 days at monthly and quarterly dosing intervals, respectively. Safety profiles were comparable to placebo.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay $48 per share in cash, with the transaction structured as a tender offer followed by a merger. The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and the tender of a majority of Tourmaline’s outstanding shares.

Tourmaline will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis upon completion. Both companies will continue to operate independently until closing.

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