HORSHAM, Pa., Dec. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:
JNJ) announced today the completion of the acquisition of all
rights to the investigational compound bermekimab, which has
multiple dermatological indications, along with certain employees,
from XBiotech Inc., for $750 million.
Should Janssen pursue bermekimab indications outside of
dermatology, XBiotech may be eligible to receive additional
payments upon the receipt of certain commercialization
authorizations. Janssen Research & Development, LLC will
develop bermekimab. The agreement was executed through Janssen
Biotech, Inc. The transaction will be accounted for as a business
combination.
Bermekimab is an anti-IL-1alpha monoclonal antibody (mAb) in
Phase 2 development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and
hidradenitis suppurativa. It is the only antibody targeting
IL-1a currently in clinical development and has the potential for
superior efficacy and safety compared to the current standard of
care.
"Adding bermekimab to our pipeline and portfolio builds on our
legacy in immuno-dermatology, while expanding our reach to two
additional disease areas with immense unmet need: atopic dermatitis
and hidradenitis suppurativa," said David
M. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., Immunology Therapeutic Area Head,
Janssen Research & Development, LLC.
"We're passionate about identifying and pursuing the best, most
exciting science for the benefit of patients – and in particular,
new mechanisms of action, with the potential to reach patients
coping with diseases that have few or no options," said
Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global
Head, Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson.
"As the only anti-IL1a in clinical development, bermekimab fits
this approach perfectly."
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson &
Johnson
At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of
the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson &
Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for
patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving
access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We
focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest
difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious
Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary
Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at
www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Janssen
Research & Development, LLC are members of the Janssen
Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the
foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward
progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep
people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the
world's largest and most broadly-based health care company, we are
committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to
improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and
put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone,
everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to
profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
regarding the acquisition of bermekimab from
XBiotech. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current
expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize,
actual results could vary materially from the expectations and
projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, any
of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson &
Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to: the satisfaction of closing conditions for the
acquisition, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act; the possibility that the transaction
will not be completed in the expected timeframe or at all; the
potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the
acquisition, if completed, may not be realized or may take longer
to realize than expected; challenges inherent in new product
research and development, including uncertainty of clinical success
and obtaining regulatory approvals; risks that the ongoing Phase 2
studies for bermekimab may not be successful; uncertainty of
commercial success for new products; impact of business
combinations and divestitures; challenges to patents; changes in
behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers
of health care products and services; and global health care
reforms and trends toward health care cost containment. A
further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and
other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, including in the sections
captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"
and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently
filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of
these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or
on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Janssen
Research & Development, LLC nor Johnson &
Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a
result of new information or future events or developments.
Media contacts:
Kellie McLaughlin
Mobile: (609) 468-8356
Investor contacts:
Lesley
Fishman
Office: (732) 524-3922
Chris DelOrefice
Office: (732) 524-2955
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SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson &
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