Novartis has agreed to acquire Tourmaline Bio for approximately $1.4 billion, securing the rights to pacibekitug, a Phase 3-ready antibody targeting inflammation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Originally developed by Pfizer and later licensed to Tourmaline, this anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody demonstrated substantial reductions in inflammatory biomarker hs-CRP with a favorable safety profile in Phase II trials. The acquisition underscores Novartis' strategic push into cardiovascular therapeutics focusing on inflammation, addressing a significant unmet clinical need beyond cholesterol management.