Johnson & Johnson to acquire NM26 from Numab for $1.25B in cash

Johnson & Johnson announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Numab Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of immunology and oncology therapeutics, to acquire from Numab’s shareholders its wholly-owned subsidiary for the global rights to a novel, investigational bispecific antibody, NM26, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.25B. NM26, which is ready to enter Phase 2 studies, targets two clinically proven pathways, IL-4R alpha subunit and IL-31, in atopic dermatitis. NM26 targets IL-4Ralpha, which triggers Th2-mediated skin inflammation4, and IL-31, which impacts skin itch and subsequent scratching that worsen the disease. In addition to potentially transforming the standard of care for AD, NM26 could also be efficacious in other inflammatory skin diseases involving Th2 inflammation and itch. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the second half of 2024, following clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Accounting treatment will be communicated on or before the close of the transaction.