For $850 million in cash and the possibility of an extra milestone payment, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has entered into a formal agreement to purchase Proteologix, Inc., a biotechnology business located in Redwood City, California, that specializes in bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated disorders.
Midway through 2024, the acquisition is anticipated to conclude, pending antitrust approval and other standard closing requirements.
About Proteologix’s
In Proteologix’s portfolio are two bispecific antibodies: PX130, which is in preclinical development for moderate to severe AD, and PX128, which targets IL-13 plus TSLP and is ready to enter phase 1 development for moderate to severe asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD).
PX128 suppresses TSLP, a mediator of tissue inflammation in AD and asthma, as well as IL-13-mediated Th2 skin inflammation, a key disease-driving mechanism in both conditions. Similar to PX128., PX130 suppresses Th2 skin inflammation mediated by IL-13. In order to repair the skin barrier and stop inflammation brought on by outside stimuli like allergens, PX130 also suppresses IL-22. Due to their uncommon dose interval design, both assets provide patients with the convenience they desire. When taken as a whole, these pipeline additions show how to strategically develop a portfolio of complementary and unique bispecifics.
J&J’s capacity to develop innovative bispecific programs will be further enhanced by the purchase, which will provide the company access to additional bispecific antibody programs with applicability across a range of different illnesses in addition to PX128 and PX130.
