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3d ago

Novartis to Acquire Tourmaline Bio for $1.4 Billion to Bolster Heart-Drug Pipeline

The purchase targets pacibekitug, an IL-6 antibody showing Phase 2 hs-CRP reductions linked to residual cardiovascular risk.

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Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has entered an agreement to acquire Tourmaline Bio for $1.4bn, which will allow the company access to Tourmaline's lead atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) asset, pacibekitug. Image credit: sweet_tomato via ShutterStock.com.

Overview

  • Novartis will pay $48 per share in cash, a roughly 59% premium to Tourmaline’s prior close.
  • The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, and Tourmaline shares jumped about 50% to 58% on the announcement.
  • Pacibekitug is being developed for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and is tested with quarterly dosing to counter IL-6–driven inflammation.
  • Topline Phase 2 TRANQUILITY results in May showed rapid, deep and durable reductions in hs-CRP versus placebo through Day 90.
  • Novartis frames the move as strengthening its cardiovascular and kidney portfolio, following 2025 deals for Anthos and Regulus, with pacibekitug potentially competing with Novo Nordisk’s monthly IL-6 inhibitor ziltivekimab.