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Tourmaline Bio Enters into Agreement to be Acquired by Novartis AG

Core Viewpoint - Novartis is set to acquire Tourmaline Bio for $48.00 per share, totaling approximately $1.4 billion, reflecting a significant premium over Tourmaline's recent stock prices, indicating strong confidence in Tourmaline's lead asset, pacibekitug, for treating cardiovascular diseases [1][2][3]. Transaction Details - The acquisition will be executed through a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Tourmaline at $48.00 per share in cash, representing a 59% premium to the closing stock price on September 8, 2025, and a 127% premium to the 60-day volume-weighted average stock price [1][3]. - The transaction has received unanimous approval from the Boards of Directors of both Novartis and Tourmaline and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1][4]. Company Insights - Tourmaline Bio is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines for inflammatory and immune diseases, with pacibekitug as its lead asset [6][7]. - Pacibekitug is a long-acting, fully-human, anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody with potential best-in-class properties, having been studied in approximately 450 participants across six clinical trials [5][6]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Novartis's commitment to innovation in cardiovascular care, as pacibekitug targets inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular diseases, and addresses a significant unmet medical need in anti-inflammatory therapies [2][5]. - Novartis aims to leverage Tourmaline's expertise and accelerate the development of pacibekitug, enhancing its portfolio in cardiovascular treatment [2][4].