J&J Acquires Rights to Numab's Bispecific Antibody NM26

US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) agreed to acquire Yellow Jersey Therapeutics (YJT) from biotechnology company Numab Therapeutics in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.25 billion, giving it worldwide rights to the novel, investigational bispecific antibody NM26.

NM26, which J&J said is ready to enter Phase 2 studies, targets two clinically proven pathways, IL-4R alpha subunit (IL-4Rα) and IL-31, in atopic dermatitis (AD). Atopic dermatitis, the most common inflammatory skin disease, is highly heterogeneous with different disease-driving mechanisms in distinct patient subpopulations.

NM26 targets IL-4Rα, which triggers Th2-mediated skin inflammation, and IL-31, which impacts skin itch and subsequent scratching that worsen the disease. In addition to potentially transforming the standard of care for AD, NM26 could also be efficacious in other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch.

“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 at J&J Innovative Medicine. “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,” Lee added

The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the second half of 2024, following clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

© Johnson & Johnson
© Johnson & Johnson

Company

Johnson & Johnson


New Brunswick
US

Company contact







Innovation Pitch

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences
Discover Tomorrow’s Innovators

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences

CHEManager Innovation Pitch supports innovation in the chemistry and life sciences start-up scene. The platform allows founders, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups to present their companies to the industry.

Free Virtual Event

ProteiNext 2025

ProteiNext 2025

ProteiNext is an annual symposium that offers a platform for sharing insights on protein analysis