J&J Continues Atopic Dermatitis Effort With Numab Deal

Johnson & Johnson, after several prior failed R&D attempts in AD, will pay Numab $1.25bn to acquire a subsidiary and its Phase II-ready bispecific antibody for key unmet needs in the disease.

Hockey net (shots on goal)
Johnson & Johnson is lining up multiple shots at treating atopic dermatitis • Source: Shutterstock

Johnson & Johnson unveiled its second atopic dermatitis-focused deal this month on 28 May, paying $1.25bn in cash to acquire a subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics AG that houses a Phase II-ready bispecific antibody that J&J thinks will offer a novel approach to addressing two distinct disease-driving pathways in AD.

More from Deals

In Brief: Sanofi Gains €10bn From Opella Sale

 

Sanofi sold a 50% stake in consumer health unit Opella for €10bn, backing its shift to prescription drugs and funding a €5bn buyback.

Scrip M&A Podcast: Will FDA Staff Cuts Impact Biopharma Dealmaking?

 
• By 

Attorneys Andrew Goodman and Alan Minsk, as well as Naya CEO Daniel Teper, discussed the ramifications of US FDA staff cuts on M&A activity with Scrip senior writer Joseph Haas.

Novartis Gains Further Renal Territory With Regulus Acquisition

 

The San Diego biotech’s lead product candidate is an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy slated to enter Phase III development in the third quarter.

GSK Chief Optimistic About BD Despite Volatile Environment

 
• By 

Emma Walmsley tells Scrip that the "biotech market is under a certain degree of pressure," so reasonably priced deals are available.

More from Business

Transient FY26 For Syngene But Momentum In China +1 Projects

 

As biopharma derisks its business with China ‘rebalancing’ strategies, Syngene could convert majority of such pilots into full program contracts amid a challenging FY2025. The CRDMO also expects business discussions pertaining to a newly acquired US biologics site to mature into commercial opportunities.

Biogen’s Manufacturing Sites, Revenue Sources Protect It From Big Tariff Impact

 
• By 

Biogen expects little impact from existing tariffs and any that may apply if the US exemption of pharma products is lifted, since 75% of its manufacturing is in the US and 55% of sales are ex-US.

Amgen Under Pressure, But Seeing Gains Ahead Of Obesity Readouts

 
• By 

MariTide could give Amgen a big boost if successful in obesity, but the drug just entered Phase III. Even so, Q1 revenue rose 9% to $8.15bn and more growth is expected in 2025.