Novartis Expands Cardiovascular Portfolio with Acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, Adds Phase 3-Ready Asset Pacibekitug

Novartis has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Tourmaline Bio, a New York-based, publicly traded biopharmaceutical company. The acquisition, valued at $48 per share in cash, will grant Novartis control of pacibekitug, a novel anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody designed to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by targeting systemic inflammation. This strategic move aims to fortify Novartis’s cardiovascular portfolio with a Phase 3-ready asset that addresses a significant unmet need in patient care.

Pacibekitug: Targeting the Root of Inflammatory Risk

The acquisition centers on pacibekitug, an investigational drug that has shown considerable promise in clinical trials. Unlike many existing cardiovascular therapies that focus on lowering cholesterol or blood pressure, pacibekitug targets IL-6, a key cytokine that drives inflammation throughout the body.

The results of the Phase 2 TRANQUILITY study, released on May 20, 2025, underscored the drug’s potential. The trial showed that pacibekitug significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels—a widely accepted marker for inflammation—by 85% to 86% at different dosing schedules. Importantly, the drug maintained a safety profile comparable to a placebo, suggesting it could be a well-tolerated treatment option.

A key feature of pacibekitug is its convenient administration. The study’s findings demonstrated that the drug could be effective with a once-quarterly injection, a significant advantage for patient convenience and adherence compared to more frequent dosing schedules or intravenous treatments. This could make it a particularly valuable asset for patients who need long-term management of inflammatory risk.

A Strategic Fit for Novartis

The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. For Novartis, pacibekitug represents a strategic fit that diversifies its approach to cardiovascular care.

“With no widely adopted anti-inflammatory therapies currently available for cardiovascular risk reduction, pacibekitug represents a potential breakthrough in addressing residual inflammatory risk in ASCVD with a differentiated mechanism of action targeting IL-6,” said Dr. Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. The acquisition is poised to fast-track the drug’s development and bring a new, innovative treatment option to market to combat a condition that remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Until the transaction closes, both companies will continue to operate as separate, independent entities.