NEW BRUNSWICK (dpa-AFX) - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced Tuesday it has
entered into a definitive agreement with biotechnology company Numab
Therapeutics to acquire its wholly-owned subsidiary from Numab's shareholders in
an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.25 billion.

The acquisition will give Johnson & Johnson the global rights to a novel,
investigational first-in-class bispecific antibody, NM26.

NM26, which is ready to enter Phase 2 studies, targets two clinically proven
pathways, IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4R?) and IL-31, in atopic dermatitis (AD).
Atopic dermatitis, the most common inflammatory skin disease, is highly
heterogeneous with different disease-driving mechanisms in distinct patient
subpopulations.

In addition to potentially transforming the standard of care for AD, NM26 could
also be efficacious in other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2
inflammation and itch.

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the second half of 2024,
following clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and
satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Accounting treatment will be
communicated on or before the close of the transaction.



Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved

Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX