Johnson & Johnson Completes Acquisition of Proteologix, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has completed the acquisition of Proteologix, a biotech firm specializing in bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated diseases, for $850 million in cash with potential milestone payments. This acquisition, announced on May 16, 2024, brings two pre-clinical bispecific antibodies, PX-128 and PX-130, into J&J's portfolio. These antibodies target multiple disease pathways and could transform treatments for atopic dermatitis and asthma. Additionally, J&J gains eight other bispecific antibody programs, enhancing its capabilities in innovative immunology therapeutics.
- Johnson & Johnson acquired Proteologix for $850 million in cash, with additional milestone payments.
- The acquisition includes two pre-clinical bispecific antibodies, PX-128 and PX-130, which target multiple disease pathways.
- J&J's immunology portfolio is expanded with eight additional bispecific antibody programs.
- Potential to transform treatment paradigms for atopic dermatitis and asthma.
- None.
Insights
Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Proteologix for
Short-term: Investors might initially see a neutral impact on stock price, given the typical nature of such transactions. However, the successful integration and initial clinical results of PX-128 and PX-130 could lead to upward movements.
Long-term: If these bispecific antibodies prove effective in clinical trials, J&J could see substantial gains. The acquisition also suggests a strategic move to position J&J as a leader in immune-mediated disease treatments, which could attract long-term investors.
The acquisition of Proteologix by Johnson & Johnson is particularly noteworthy within the biotech landscape. The inclusion of two pre-clinical bispecific antibodies, PX-128 and PX-130, signals a firm commitment to advancing treatments for immune-mediated diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. Bispecific antibodies, which can simultaneously target two different disease pathways, offer innovative therapeutic solutions potentially more effective than traditional monoclonal antibodies.
From a research perspective, the diversified pipeline with eight additional bispecific programs could accelerate the development of treatments across various diseases. Given the competitive nature of the biotech sector, such acquisitions often provide a significant edge in technology and innovation.
The ability to integrate and advance these programs will be critical. Successful clinical trials could potentially redefine standard care practices and position J&J at the forefront of immunological treatments.
From a market perspective, the acquisition of Proteologix strengthens Johnson & Johnson's position in the immunology market, a sector expected to grow significantly due to rising prevalence of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. The focus on bispecific antibodies, which are emerging as a transformative therapeutic class, could attract significant attention from the healthcare community and investors alike.
This move also illustrates J&J's strategy to bolster its pipeline with innovative therapies, potentially securing a competitive advantage. The mention of expanding their capabilities to create novel bispecific programs suggests a long-term strategy to dominate market segments addressing complex diseases.
For retail investors, the broadening of J&J's portfolio with advanced biotech assets might translate into enhanced growth prospects, promising steady returns in the long run.
Acquisition includes two pre-clinical bispecific antibodies targeting proven disease pathways, offering the potential to transform the treatment paradigm for patients living with atopic dermatitis and other immune-mediated diseases
“We look forward to continuing the development of PX-128 and PX-130 alongside the Proteologix team as they join Johnson & Johnson,” said David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “These two bispecific antibodies have the potential to become best in disease therapeutics for people living with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma by targeting multiple disease-driving pathways. We are thrilled to start integrating them into our industry leading Immunology portfolio.”
Beyond PX-128 and PX-130, this acquisition will provide Johnson & Johnson with eight other bispecific antibody programs with applications across a variety of other diseases, which further boosts the Company’s capabilities to create novel bispecific programs.
“The Proteologix team has developed a promising early pipeline of bispecific antibodies that are a strong complement and strategic fit for our innovation strategy,” said Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “This acquisition is yet another example of our ongoing commitment to redefine the standard of care for immune mediated diseases.”
About Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in
About the Merger Agreement
Under the terms of the transaction Johnson & Johnson (the Company) has acquired Proteologix. The transaction will be accounted for as a business combination and will not have any impact to our previously disclosed 2024 adjusted EPS guidance range.
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.janssen.com/johnson-johnson-innovative-medicine. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are both Johnson & Johnson companies.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding the acquisition of Proteologix Inc. 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 Johnson & Johnson or Proteologix Inc. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the acquisition may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; challenges inherent in product research and development, including uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new products; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; economic conditions, including currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; the risks associated with global operations; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and global health care reforms; adverse litigation or government action; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care services and products; and trends toward health care cost containment. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties related to the ability to successfully integrate the products and employees/operations and clinical work of Proteologix Inc., as well as the ability to ensure continued performance or market growth of Proteologix Inc.’s products. 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 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings by Johnson & Johnson with the SEC. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, at www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Johnson & Johnson nor any of the Johnson & Johnson MedTech entities undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes Adjusted EPS, which represents a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that providing this non-GAAP financial measure enhances the Company’s and investors’ understanding of our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s definitions of its non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EPS is earnings per share, or EPS. The Company is not providing a reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to EPS, however, because Johnson & Johnson does not provide GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis as the Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of adjusted items, such as legal proceedings, unusual gains and losses, acquisition-related expenses, and purchase accounting fair value adjustments without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could be material to Johnson & Johnson’s results computed in accordance with GAAP.
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Michelle Romano
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Investor:
Raychel Kruper
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Source: Johnson & Johnson
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