Johnson & Johnson has completed the acquisition of Proteologix, Inc., a privately-held biotechnology company focused on bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated diseases, for $850 million in cash with potential for an additional milestone payment, as announced on May 16, 2024.
Proteologix’s portfolio includes PX128, a bispecific antibody targeting interleukin (IL)-13 plus TSLP, which is ready to enter phase 1 development for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and moderate to severe asthma, and PX130, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-13 plus IL-22, which is in preclinical development for moderate to severe AD.
“We look forward to continuing the development of PX-128 and PX-130 alongside the Proteologix team as they join Johnson & Johnson,” says David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, in a news release. “These two bispecific antibodies have the potential to become best in disease therapeutics for people living with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma by targeting multiple disease-driving pathways. We are thrilled to start integrating them into our industry leading Immunology portfolio.”
Beyond PX-128 and PX-130, this acquisition will provide Johnson & Johnson with eight other bispecific antibody programs with applications across a variety of other diseases.
“The Proteologix team has developed a promising early pipeline of bispecific antibodies that are a strong complement and strategic fit for our innovation strategy,” adds Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “This acquisition is yet another example of our ongoing commitment to redefine the standard of care for immune mediated diseases.”
