Novartis has completed a $1.4 billion acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, securing rights to pacibekitug, an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody aimed at atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Licensed from Pfizer, pacibekitug demonstrated promising Phase II data, notably reducing inflammatory marker hs-CRP by approximately 85%, with a safety profile comparable to placebo. The drug’s quarterly dosing regimen could improve patient adherence versus more frequent treatments. Novartis aims to advance pacibekitug through late-stage outcomes studies, addressing inflammation as an independent cardiovascular risk factor beyond cholesterol management. This acquisition follows a strategic push to diversify the company’s cardiovascular portfolio with innovative therapies targeting residual inflammatory risk.