Novartis announced the acquisition of Tourmaline Bio for $1.4 billion, acquiring the anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody pacibekitug targeting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Pacibekitug, licensed from Pfizer, showed an 85% reduction in hs-CRP levels in Phase II trials and offers a promising approach targeting inflammation in heart disease, an area with unmet clinical needs. The deal, approved by both boards, is expected to close by year-end, and adds a late-stage cardiovascular candidate to Novartis’s portfolio.