Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has completed the previously announced acquisition of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a demerged subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics, for approximately $1.25bn in cash.
The acquisition, which was announced in May 2024, is expected to bolster Johnson & Johnson’s atopic dermatitis (AD) pipeline.
Through the deal, Johnson & Johnson gains the global rights to Yellow Jersey’s NM26, a bispecific antibody under development for treating AD.
Johnson & Johnson will be able to develop, manufacture, and commercialise NM26 for the treatment of AD and follow-on indications.
NM26, which will now enter Phase 2 trials in AD, focuses on IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31 pathways. These pathways are known to induce Th2-mediated skin inflammation and itching, respectively.
The asset can also support the treatment of other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch, the American pharmaceutical major said.
The bispecific antibody was discovered and engineered using Numab Therapeutics’ proprietary MATCH technology platform.
Yellow Jersey Therapeutics was established following a demerger from Numab Therapeutics.
Additionally, Johnson & Johnson has entered into a separate agreement with Japan-based Kaken Pharmaceutical to obtain rights to the NM26 programme for the Asia Pacific region.
Johnson & Johnson innovative medicine global immunology therapeutic area head David Lee said: “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.
“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 latest deal follows Johnson & Johnson’s $850m acquisition of Proteologix, a privately held biotechnology firm developing bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated disorders.
Proteologix’s portfolio features PX128, ready to enter Phase 1 development in moderate to severe AD and moderate to severe asthma, and PX130, another bispecific antibody currently in preclinical development for moderate to severe AD.
