J&J Expands Atopic Dermatitis Pipeline with Yellow Jersey Therapeutics Acquisition

Key Takeaways:

• Johnson & Johnson (J&J) will acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics for $1.25 billion in cash, targeting specifically the bispecfic antibody NM26 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). 
• J&J recently purchased Proteologix for the PC128 bispecific antibody targeting interleukin 13 and TSLP.
• “Our goal is to deliver transformational efficacy for all patients living with immune mediated diseases like AD,” said Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology at J&J.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced its plan to acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics (a subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics) for $1.25 billion in cash, according to a news release.

The acquisition includes the bispecific antibody NM26, which is currently advancing to phase 2 studies for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). NM26 works by targeting the IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31 pathways, addressing both inflammation and itching associated with AD.

“To deliver durable, symptom-free remission for the millions of people living with AD, our medicines need to be tailored to target multiple disease-driving pathways in different patient subpopulations,” said David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, in a press release. “That’s why we are committed to developing differentiated bispecifics that combine the targeting of two distinct disease-driving pathways. NM26 has the potential to deliver a treatment specifically for patients who have inflamed skin associated with intense itching.”

The acquisition follows J&J's recent purchase of Proteologix for $850 million, the news release said. Proteologix's portfolio includes PX128, a bispecific antibody targeting interleukin 13 and TSLP, which is currently in a phase 1 trial for AD, as well as a preclinical antibody, PX130, targeting IL-13 and IL-22 for moderate to severe AD.

“Our goal is to deliver transformational efficacy for all patients living with immune mediated diseases like AD,” said Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson, said 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.”

Source: J&J press release. May 28, 2024.