Novartis has announced plans to acquire Tourmaline Bio, strengthening its cardiovascular pipeline with the addition of pacibekitug, an investigational anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Tourmaline Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing pacibekitug as a targeted therapy to reduce systemic inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular risk. This acquisition aligns with Novartis’ long-standing focus on addressing high unmet needs in cardiovascular disease, particularly in areas where inflammation plays a significant role.
Pacibekitug: a new approach to cardiovascular inflammation
Pacibekitug is an IgG2 human monoclonal antibody designed to neutralise interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine implicated in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease progression. In the Phase 2 TRANQUILITY study, pacibekitug demonstrated promising results by reducing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels by over 85% at day 90, with a safety profile comparable to placebo.
These findings suggest that pacibekitug could play an important role in reducing residual inflammatory risk in patients with ASCVD, where current therapies are limited.
Strategic fit for Novartis
Novartis views the addition of pacibekitug as complementary to its existing cardiovascular portfolio. By targeting IL-6, the therapy provides a differentiated mechanism of action in addressing inflammation-driven cardiovascular risk.
Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis, commented:
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. Inflammation is a major driver of cardiovascular disease, and the team at Tourmaline has made significant progress with this asset. We are excited to bring pacibekitug into the Novartis portfolio and collaborate to advance its development.
Transaction overview
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will acquire Tourmaline Bio at a valuation of approximately USD 1.4 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals.
Looking ahead
The acquisition positions Novartis to advance a Phase 3-ready cardiovascular asset and underscores its commitment to innovation in cardiology. If successful in late-stage development, pacibekitug could provide patients with a new, convenient treatment option administered once quarterly.
