Last Stop Biotech

New York–based Tourmaline is working on a drug called pacibekitug (TOUR006) to treat heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The company expects to begin a phase 2 study for AAA later this year. AAA occurs when part of the aorta, the body’s main artery, becomes enlarged and may rupture, which can cause dangerous internal bleeding. Today, Novartis announced it is acquiring Tourmaline Bio in a $1.4 billion deal, gaining access to a former Pfizer cardiovascular asset that delivered impressive phase 2 results earlier this year. The highlight of the acquisition is pacibekitug, an interleukin-6–targeting antibody that met its primary endpoint in a May phase 2 trial by significantly lowering C-reactive protein (CRP) levels—a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk—in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Tourmaline had positioned those data as a springboard for advancing pacibekitug in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and other cardiovascular indications. The potential of pacibekitug in treating these diseases is significant. Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to atherosclerosis, where heightened inflammation drives disease progression, and elevated CRP levels are commonly observed.

“Inflammation is a major driver of cardiovascular disease, and the team at Tourmaline has made significant progress with this asset, … We are excited to bring pacibekitug into the Novartis portfolio and collaborate with the Tourmaline team to advance its development as we diversify our efforts in cardiovascular care.”

Novartis Chief Medical Officer Shreeram Aradhye, M.D

Tourmaline Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company established in September 2021, resulting from a merger with Talaris Therapeutics. The company raised substantial capital through a Series A financing and a $75 million private placement as part of its merger transition, securing a cash position sufficient to fund operations into 2026–2027.

Tourmaline has several key assets in its portfolio that warrant a significant evaluation from Novartis. Their promising lead asset, pacibekitug (TOUR006), is a long-acting, fully human anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody characterized by low immunogenicity, high affinity, and a naturally extended half-life. It has been evaluated in over 400 participants across six clinical trials and is being developed for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

Tourmaline boasts a deep bench in its leadership team, led by CEO Dr. Sandeep Kulkarni, who brings nearly 20 years of expertise in biotech investment, operations, and company formation. The broader leadership includes seasoned regulatory and clinical professionals with deep biotech experience. They are also well-positioned financially, with well over $200 million in cash reserves in mid-2025, and the company is well-positioned to advance its clinical programs without immediate financing pressures.