Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) announced on Tuesday its agreement to acquire the rights to an experimental skin disorder treatment from privately held Numab Therapeutics for approximately $1.25 billion, marking its second acquisition this month focused on eczema-related therapies.
The acquisition entails J&J gaining rights to the experimental treatment for eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, through a unit of Numab, which is supported by the parent company of Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO).
This move comes shortly after J&J’s $850 million acquisition of drug developer Proteologix earlier in the month, emphasizing the company’s strategic focus on addressing conditions like atopic dermatitis, which affects an estimated 30 million individuals in the United States annually.
J&J’s recent emphasis on medical devices and drugs aligns with its proactive approach to addressing emerging market dynamics, notably in anticipation of impending competition from biosimilars for its blockbuster psoriasis treatment, Stelara, expected to enter the market in 2025.
In addition to its pharmaceutical ventures, J&J has been active in diversifying its portfolio through significant acquisitions, exemplified by its recent agreement to purchase heart device maker Shockwave Medical (SWAV.O) for $13.1 billion.
The Numab transaction is slated to conclude in the latter half of 2024, marking a strategic milestone in J&J’s pursuit of innovative therapies.
Numab’s drug, NM26, recently underwent testing in an early-stage trial. Classified as a bi-specific antibody, NM26 represents a novel therapeutic approach by simultaneously targeting two distinct disease pathways.
Atopic dermatitis, characterized by chronic inflammation and compromised skin barrier function, manifests symptoms such as dryness, itchiness, and susceptibility to skin infections. This acquisition underscores J&J’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and advancing treatment options for patients affected by debilitating skin disorders.
