J&J Acquires $1.25B Rights to Atopic Dermatitis Drug from Numab

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is expanding its presence in the skin disease treatment market with a significant acquisition. The pharmaceutical giant announced plans to acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics, for $1.25 billion in cash. This acquisition includes the bispecific antibody NM26, a promising treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema.

NM26, which began Phase I dosing in 2023, is set to progress into Phase II clinical studies. The drug targets two critical pathways in the treatment of AD: the IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31. IL-4Rα is associated with Th2-mediated skin inflammation, while IL-31 is linked to skin itching and scratching, which exacerbate the condition.

David Lee, global immunology therapeutic area head at J&J Innovative Medicine, expressed the company's commitment to developing unique bispecific antibodies that address multiple disease pathways. He stated, "NM26 has the potential to offer a specialized treatment for patients suffering from inflamed skin and severe itching."

J&J believes that NM26 could be effective in treating other inflammatory skin diseases characterized by Th2 inflammation and itching. The acquisition deal is expected to be finalized in the latter half of 2024.

This acquisition follows J&J's recent purchase of biotech company Proteologix, along with its bispecific antibody candidate PX128, for $850 million. PX128 is currently in a Phase I trial for AD and targets interleukin 13 TSLP. Additionally, the deal included a preclinical antibody, PX130, which targets IL-13 and IL-22 for moderate to severe AD.

Candice Long, worldwide vice president of immunology at J&J, emphasized the company's mission to deliver transformative treatments for patients with immune-mediated diseases like AD. She noted, "Our investment in differentiated bispecifics marks a new chapter in our impactful Immunology legacy, underscoring our commitment to addressing unmet medical needs by leveraging patient insights and our deep disease expertise."

Numab Therapeutics has established partnerships with several leading pharmaceutical companies. In March 2024, Numab entered into a development and licensing agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical to identify an immuno-oncology candidate. This collaboration earned Numab CHF 258 million ($283 million) in upfront research and milestone payments. The Swiss biotech firm has also signed development agreements with Eisai and Boehringer Ingelheim in the past.

J&J's strategic acquisitions of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics and Proteologix highlight its dedication to advancing innovative treatments for skin diseases. By investing in bispecific antibodies that target multiple disease pathways, J&J aims to provide more effective solutions for patients dealing with conditions like atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders. As these acquisitions progress, the company continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the immunology and dermatology sectors.