Johnson & Johnson completed the acquisition of Yellow Jersey, a demerged subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics to secure the global rights to NM26, a novel, investigational first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting two pathways in atopic dermatitis (AD).
The deal was an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.25 billion.
NM26, which is ready to enter Phase 2 studies in atopic dermatitis (AD), targets two clinically proven pathways, IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31, which trigger Th2-mediated skin inflammation and skin itch, respectively.
“NM26 is designed to help different subpopulations of patients by targeting two disease-driving pathways, which is key when treating a heterogeneous disease like AD,” saysDavid Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, in a news release. “We are excited about the potential this represents to transform the standard of care for AD, as well as other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch.”
“Nearly three-quarters of people with AD are not achieving remission with currently available treatments3. The unmet need is high, and we must do better for patients,” adds Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “Our investment in NM26, and other bispecific antibodies, is another important step towards our mission of durable, symptom-free remission for all patients living with immune-mediated diseases.”
