J&J acquires $1.25B skin drug, adding bispecific antibody

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced a significant addition to its portfolio of dual-targeting antibody drugs with the acquisition of an experimental skin disease treatment. This move involves a $1.25 billion deal to acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a newly formed spinout from Swiss biotechnology startup Numab Therapeutics. The acquisition includes NM26, a drug poised for Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema.

In a recent statement, J&J highlighted the unique potential of NM26 compared to current atopic dermatitis treatments such as Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent and AbbVie's Rinvoq. NM26 targets two proteins, IL-4Ra and IL-31, both associated with inflammatory diseases. This dual-targeting approach is expected to offer distinctive benefits over existing therapies.

J&J's pharmaceutical division has set an ambitious goal of delivering 20 new medicines by the decade's end, aiming to drive sales growth despite the growing competition from biosimilars. This strategy, which was detailed to investors in December, prioritizes oncology and immunology research. In alignment with this plan, J&J has secured deals in both areas, including the acquisition of cancer biotech Ambrx Biopharma in January and immune drug developer Proteologix more recently.

The company has a clear interest in bispecific antibodies, which simultaneously target two disease-associated proteins and are becoming increasingly popular among large pharmaceutical companies. J&J currently markets dual-targeting multiple myeloma drugs Talvey and Tecvayli. The company aims to develop a portfolio of differentiated bispecifics across various disease areas, as evidenced by its recent acquisitions.

Numab's NM26, which began Phase 1 testing last year, is expected to be more potent and faster-acting than existing treatments. Unlike Dupixent, which primarily targets pathways involved in skin inflammation, NM26 addresses both itching and inflammation. J&J's statement also hinted at the potential of NM26 in treating other skin conditions that involve itching.

Candice Long, J&J's global vice president of immunology, emphasized the strategic importance of investing in differentiated bispecifics, describing it as the next chapter in the company's impactful immunology legacy.

This acquisition represents the largest deal to date for Numab, a company supported by Novo Holdings and also developing antibody drugs for cancer. Numab has formed alliances with Boehringer Ingelheim and Eisai and has previously licensed the rights to NM26 in Japan to Kaken Pharmaceutical. J&J will acquire these rights as part of a separate agreement with Kaken, as announced on Tuesday.

This acquisition aligns with J&J's broader strategy of expanding its immunology and oncology portfolios through strategic deals and acquisitions. The addition of NM26 is expected to bolster J&J's position in the competitive market for atopic dermatitis treatments and potentially other skin conditions, furthering its commitment to innovative and differentiated therapeutic solutions.

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