Johnson & Johnson Inks Deal to Acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics in $1.25 Billion All-Cash Deal

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Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has finalized their acquisition of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics, for $1.25 billion in an all-cash deal. According to the company, this includes the global rights to NM26, a first-in-class bispecific antibody that targets the interleukin (IL)-4Rα and IL-31 pathways, which are vital in treating patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Currently, NM26 is set to begin Phase II studies.¹

“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, in a press 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.”

The deal is considered an asset acquisition, resulting in an in-process research and development charge of approximately $1.25 billion in the third quarter of this year in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.¹

“Our goal is to deliver transformational efficacy for all patients living with immune mediated diseases like AD,” said Candice Long, Worldwide VP, immunology, Johnson & Johnson, in a press 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.”²

AD is considered the most common inflammatory skin disease. According to J&J, current therapies on the market are failing to provide durable, symptom-free remission, with close to 70% of patients not experiencing remission after treatment.2 Regarding current treatments or remedies, the Mayo Clinic suggests moisturizing skin at least twice a day, applying a nonprescription cream containing at least 1% hydrocortisone (temporarily relieving the itch), taking an oral allergy or anti-itch medication, refraining from scratching, daily bathing, use non-soap cleansers, taking a bleach bath, and managing stress and anxiety.³

“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 Long, in the press release. “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.”

When investigators launched a Phase I trial for NM26 in May 2023, they noted the drug’s unique mechanism of action demonstarted the potential to provide more rapid and pronounced relief from itch than current standard of care AD therapies.⁴

“This effect would be notable for people suffering with AD, as we know itch is a major factor of disease burden that negatively impacts quality of life and sleep, said Peter Lichtlen, MD, PhD, in a press release. “Faster onset and deepened suppression of itch is also expected to result in a more pronounced effect on AD lesions.”⁴

References

1. Johnson & Johnson strengthens pipeline to lead in atopic dermatitis with acquisition of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics. Johnson & Johnson. July 11, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-strengthens-pipeline-to-lead-in-atopic-dermatitis-with-the-completion-of-the-acquisition-of-yellow-jersey-therapeutics-gaining-ownership-of-nm26

2. Johnson & Johnson to Obtain Rights to a Clinical-Stage Bispecific Antibody to Address Distinct Patient Needs in Atopic Dermatitis. Johnson & Johnson. May 28, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-to-obtain-rights-to-a-clinical-stage-bispecific-antibody-to-address-distinct-patient-needs-in-atopic-dermatitis

3. Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279#:~:text=A%20nonprescription%20cream%20containing%20at,allergy%20or%20anti%2Ditch%20medication.

4. Numab Therapeutics Announces First Subject Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Study of NM26 Program. News release. Numab Therapeutics. May 15, 2023. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230514005072/en/Numab-Therapeutics-Announces-First-Subject-Dosed-in-Phase-1-Clinical-Study-of-NM26-Program