Published on 29 May 2024 on Zacks via Yahoo Finance

J&J (JNJ) to Buy Rights to Novel Atopic Dermatitis Candidate

Johnson & Johnson JNJ announced a definitive agreement with Swiss biotech Numab Therapeutics to acquire global rights to NM26, a phase II-ready bispecific antibody for atopic dermatitis (“AD”). To execute the deal, Numab Therapeutics will spin off its wholly-owned subsidiary called Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, which holds NM26 rights, to its shareholders. J&J will acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics from Numab’s shareholders for a purchase price of $1.25 billion in cash.

AD is a common inflammatory disease characterized by inflamed skin and intense itching. J&J believes NM26 has the potential to transform the standard of care for AD. It targets two clinically proven disease-driving pathways in AD, IL-4R alpha subunit and IL-31. IL-4Rα triggers Th2-mediated skin inflammation, while IL-31 impacts skin itch and subsequent scratching that worsens the disease. NM26, by targeting both IL-4R alpha subunit and IL-31, can be developed specifically for AD patients who suffer from inflamed skin associated with intense itching.