Cardiovascular disease can be managed with drugs that take various approaches, but few of them work by reducing inflammation. Novartis is getting an anti-inflammatory drug candidate through its $1.4 billion acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, a company whose Phase 3-ready antibody goes after a promising pathway for cardiovascular conditions. The Tourmaline drug gives Novartis the opportunity to catch up to Novo Nordisk and CSL Behring programs pursuing the same target, but with a potential dosing advantage.

The deal terms announced Tuesday call for Novartis to pay $48 in cash for each Tourmaline share. That price is a 57% premium to Tourmaline’s closing price on Monday. Shares of the New York-based biotech opened Tuesday at $47.62.

Tourmaline’s lead indication is atherosclerotic cardiovascu

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