Johnson & Johnson Completes Numab Subsidiary Acquisition, Boosts Bispecific Antibody Pipeline

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Johnson & Johnson has completed its $1.25 billion acquisition of Yellow Jersey, a demerged subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics, which gives Johnson & Johnson the global rights to NM26, a novel, investigational bispecific antibody in development for treating atopic dermatitis (AD), according to a July 11, 2024 press release.

NM26 is ready to enter Phase II studies in AD. It targets interleukin 4 receptor (IL4R)-alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31, two clinically proven pathways that trigger T helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated skin inflammation and skin itch, respectively. By targeting these two pathways, NM26 has the potential to transform the standard of care for AD and could also be effective in treating other inflammatory skin diseases in which Th2 inflammation and itch are prevalent (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 the 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 NM26 program was included as part of the acquisition agreement for Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, which was formed through a demerger with Numab. Separately, Johnson & Johnson has entered an agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical to secure rights to the drug candidate in the Asia Pacific Region. In 2021, Numab had formed a global co-development and regional licensing agreement with Kaken for NM26, under which Kaken has commercial rights to the drug candidate in Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while Numab kept the commercial rights in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world (2).

AD, the most common inflammatory skin disease also referred to as eczema, causes itching and inflammation. The symptoms are made worse by scratching, which can lead to increased risk of skin infections, skin pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, depression and even an increased risk of suicide. It affects more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the US, according to the press release.

“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, 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.”

Johnson & Johnson initially announced the acquisition in May 2024 with an expected close of transaction in the the second half of 2024 (1). “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 Lee in the May 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.”

References

1. Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson to Obtain Rights to a Clinical-Stage Bispecific Antibody to Address Distinct Patient Needs in Atopic Dermatitis. Press Release, May 28, 2024.
2. Numab Therapeutics. Numab Therapeutics and Kaken Pharmaceutical Form Co-Development Alliance for a Next-Generation Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Option. Press Release, Jan. 13, 2021.

Source: Johnson & Johnson