J&J adds atopic dermatitis bispecifics to pipeline with $850M Proteologix buy
AcquisitionPhase 1ADCImmunotherapy
Johnson & Johnson agreed to acquire Proteologix for $850 million in cash, picking up a portfolio of experimental bispecific antibodies with a focus on treating atopic dermatitis. The lead asset PX128, which targets IL-13 and TSLP, is set to enter Phase I testing for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis as well as moderate-to-severe asthma.
Proteologix's slate also includes the preclinical asset PX130 under development for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Like PX128, the compound also directed against IL-13, but is designed to block IL-22 as well in order to restore the skin barrier and prevent inflammation from environmental triggers, such as allergens. Both assets are designed for infrequent dosing intervals.
"We see an opportunity for best-in-disease efficacy for both PX128 and PX130 as each bispecific antibody targets two different combinations of disease driving pathways,” remarked David Lee, global immunology therapeutic area head at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. The transaction, which also includes an additional undisclosed milestone payment to Proteologix, is set to close mid-year.
For Johnson & Johnson, the acquisition represents a strengthening of its focus in immunology. After a relatively quiet period on the M&A front for its pharma business, the Proteologix deal also hints at a ramping up of the healthcare giant's deal-making efforts. Earlier this year, it bought antibody-drug conjugate developer Ambrx Biopharma for $2 billion, although industry watchers have suggested that Johnson & Johnson's next major move could be in the medical device space rather than innovative medicines.
The Proteologix purchase also sees Johnson & Johnson jockeying for position in the space for anti-TSLP antibodies. Just this week, Blackstone Life Sciences committed up to $300 million in newly launched biotech Uniquity Bio to support development of the anti-TSLP candidate solrikitug, while in January, GSK bought Aiolos Bio and its mid-stage anti-TSLP candidate AIO-001 for up to $1.4 billion. For more, see Spotlight On: A look at the anti-TSLP pipeline.
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