Tourmaline Bio Rises on Positive Cardiovascular Drug Data
Phase 2 results for its IL-6 inhibitor, pacibekitug, show a more than 85% reduction in a key inflammatory biomarker with quarterly dosing.
Tourmaline Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRML) presented positive data from its ongoing Phase 2 TRANQUILITY trial for pacibekitug at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress, signaling a potential breakthrough in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The results demonstrated that pacibekitug, a long-acting anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, achieved a greater than 85% reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key inflammatory biomarker, with a quarterly dosing schedule.
This is a significant development, as pacibekitug is the first IL-6 inhibitor to show such a deep reduction in hs-CRP with quarterly dosing, a potential advantage in patient adherence and convenience. The trial also showed in other cardiovascular risk biomarkers, including lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A. The positive results were consistent across a wide range of clinically relevant subgroups.
"Across all monthly and quarterly dosing arms, subcutaneously administered pacibekitug demonstrated rapid, deep, and consistent reductions in hs-CRP, a well-established biomarker of residual inflammatory risk," said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, Director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and Chair of Tourmaline’s Cardiovascular Scientific Advisory Board. "Together, these data make a strong case for pacibekitug’s continued evaluation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other inflammation-driven cardiovascular diseases."
The strong clinical data has bolstered the company's plans to initiate a Phase 2 study in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and to continue preparations for a Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), .
Wall Street has taken notice, with , with multiple firms issuing "Buy" or "Strong Buy" ratings. The average price target of approximately $50 suggests significant potential upside. This confidence is based on pacibekitug's potential to be a best-in-class treatment in a competitive landscape that includes other IL-6 inhibitors from major pharmaceutical companies.