Johnson & Johnson is set to acquire rights to NM26, a bi-specific antibody for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), through an agreement with Numab Therapeutics to acquire its wholly owned subsidiary Yellow Jersey Therapeutics (YJT).
NM26, which is ready to enter Phase 2 studies, targets interleukin (IL) -4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31 to address the hallmarks of the pathophysiology of AD. IL-4Rα triggers Th2-mediated skin inflammation and IL-31 impacts skin itch and subsequent scratching that worsen the disease.
The antibody was discovered and engineered using Numab’s proprietary MATCH technology platform, which is designed to fuel a new wave of multi-specific antibody drug candidates. NM26 could also be efficacious in other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Johnson & Johnson will pay $1.25 billion in cash for YJT. 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.
“Our goal is to deliver transformational efficacy for all patients living with immune mediated diseases like AD,” says Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson, in a news release. “Our investment in differentiated bispecifics is the next chapter in our impactful Immunology legacy. It reinforces our commitment to address unmet medical needs by leveraging patient insights and our deep disease expertise.”
“We are thrilled to enter into this agreement with J&J and are confident they will be able to rapidly advance the development of NM26 for patients in need of a better treatment for atopic dermatitis and other conditions,” adds David Urech, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Numab. “This transaction validates the power of our discovery and engineering platform and its potential to bring multiple novel multi-specific antibodies to large, underserved patient populations. Our partnering strategy engaging biopharma partners such as Kaken, Eisai, Boehringer Ingelheim and Ono from early on, has been instrumental in realizing the value of our platform and will continue to be key to advancing our potentially transformative immunology and oncology programs.”
