NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Johnson & Johnson1 (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Yellow Jersey, a demerged subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics to secure the global rights to NM26, a novel, investigational first-in-class bispecific antibody, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.25 billion, as announced on May 28, 2024.
NM26, which is ready to enter Phase 2 studies in atopic dermatitis (AD), targets two clinically proven pathways, IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31, which trigger Th2-mediated skin inflammation and skin itch, respectively.
“NM26 is designed to help different subpopulations of patients by targeting two disease-driving pathways, which is key when treating a heterogeneous disease like AD,” said David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “We are excited about the potential this represents to transform the standard of care for AD, as well as other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch.”
AD is the most common inflammatory skin disease2. It causes itching and inflammation which are made worse by scratching. It can lead to increased risk of skin infections, skin pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, depression and even an increased risk of suicide.
“Nearly three-quarters of people with AD are not achieving remission with currently available treatments3. The unmet need is high, and we must do better for patients,” said Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “Our investment in NM26, and other bispecific antibodies, is another important step towards our mission of durable, symptom-free remission for all patients living with immune-mediated diseases.”
1 Legal entity, Cilag Holding AG
2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27690741/
3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27690741/
About Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the United States. AD is characterized by an overactive immune system that causes damage to the skin barrier, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to rashes. AD may come and go throughout life and patients can experience severe flares of their disease. The condition can cause poor quality of life by causing social stigma impacting the ability to interact with family and friends, interrupting sleep due to intense itching and/or painful skin, and leading to anxiety, stress and depression with an increased risk of suicide.
About the agreement
Under the terms of the transaction Johnson & Johnson (the Company) has acquired Yellow Jersey Therapeutics which includes the NM26 program, and which was formed through a demerger with Numab. J&J entered a separate agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical to secure rights in the Asia Pacific Region.
In accordance with US GAAP, the transaction is being accounted for as an asset acquisition, resulting in an in-process research and development charge of approximately $1.25B in the third quarter of 2024 and full year Adjusted EPS dilution of $0.56 in 2024 and approximately $0.10 in 2025. The 2024 impact will be reflected in updated guidance at the second quarter earnings call on July 17, 2024.
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.janssen.com/johnson-johnson-innovative-medicine. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are both Johnson & Johnson companies.
