NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.,
Feb. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/
-- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced
that its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies will expand its existing
partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of
Health & Human Services, to seek treatment solutions for
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2
(also known as 2019-nCoV). This latest collaboration will enhance
Janssen's ongoing work with global partners to screen a library of
existing antiviral molecules, with the aim of identifying compounds
with promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
The expanded partnership with BARDA builds on Johnson &
Johnson's multipronged response to the COVID-19
outbreak. These efforts, in addition to the ongoing
development of a potential vaccine candidate, bring hope of finding
a solution against COVID-19 for communities in greatest need in
China and around the world.
"We must engage in rigorous research and development in order to
identify therapeutic candidates with antiviral activity against the
novel coronavirus. Our ambitious goal is to bring forward a
solution for patients and ensure future generations do not have to
live in fear of the potentially serious consequences of COVID-19,"
said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice
Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer,
Johnson & Johnson. "We have a proven track record in partnering
with others to develop and deliver antiviral therapies that serve
the needs of diverse populations worldwide. While we are at early
stages, we are making that commitment again."
To screen potential compounds, Janssen will work with the Rega
Institute for Medical Research (KU Leuven), in Belgium. The arrangement couples the
Institute's infrastructure, breadth of high throughput screening
experience, and capabilities for studying special pathogens with
Janssen's drug development resources and antiviral expertise.
Janssen and BARDA will share the research and
development costs and mobilize resources to screen a library
of antiviral molecules for activity against SARS-CoV-2. The
agreement was created under an existing U.S. Government's Other
Transaction Authority (OTA), HHSO100201800012C. This is a different
agreement from the OTA under which Janssen's SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
research is being conducted.
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to a group of
viruses called coronaviruses that attack the respiratory system.
There is currently no licensed vaccine, treatment or cure for
COVID-19.
For more information on Johnson & Johnson's commitment to
combatting COVID-19 visit: www.jnj.com/coronavirus.
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 healthcare 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. Learn more
at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
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
@JanssenGlobal.
Notice to Investors Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
regarding darunavir/cobicistat and development of potential
preventive and treatment regimens for COVID-19. 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 the Janssen Pharmaceutical
Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties
inherent in product research and development, including the
uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory
approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing
difficulties and delays; competition, including technological
advances, new products and patents attained by competitors;
challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns
resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in
behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care
products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations,
including 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. None of the
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson
undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of
new information or future events or developments.
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SOURCE Johnson & Johnson