J&J Completes $1.25B Acquisition of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics

On Jul 11, 2024

Johnson & Johnson has successfully 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, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.25 billion.

NM26 is ready to enter Phase 2 studies in atopic dermatitis (AD). Also known as eczema, it is the most common inflammatory skin disease. It causes itching and inflammation which are made worse by scratching. It can lead to increased risk of skin infections, skin pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, depression and even an increased risk of suicide.

“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,” said David Lee, global immunology therapeutic area head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “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 treatments. The unmet need is high, and we must do better for patients,” said 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.”

AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the United States. It is characterized by an overactive immune system that causes damage to the skin barrier, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to rashes. AD may come and go throughout life and patients can experience severe flares of their disease. The condition can cause poor quality of life by causing social stigma impacting the ability to interact with family and friends, interrupting sleep due to intense itching and/or painful skin, and leading to anxiety, stress and depression with an increased risk of suicide.

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