Novartis has finalized the $1.4 billion acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, securing pacibekitug, a promising anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody targeting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Previously licensed from Pfizer, which retains milestone rights, pacibekitug addresses systemic inflammation implicated in cardiovascular risk beyond cholesterol management. Phase II data demonstrated substantial reductions in inflammatory markers with a safety profile comparable to placebo, positioning Novartis to advance the drug into Phase III trials and expand its cardiovascular portfolio.