Blackstone Life Sciences announced a research and development funding agreement with Johnson & Johnson to advance the clinical development of bleximenib (JNJ-75276617), an investigational oral menin inhibitor, for acute myeloid leukemia. The agreement marks the first time the two organizations have entered into a co-funding partnership.
Under the terms of the deal, Johnson & Johnson and funds managed by Blackstone Life Sciences will jointly finance a portion of the ongoing and future clinical trials of bleximenib in AML. The therapy is currently being evaluated across Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials as both a monotherapy and in combination with AML-directed treatments, targeting patients with newly diagnosed as well as relapsed or refractory disease.
Bleximenib is designed to inhibit menin, disrupting a key oncogenic interaction between menin and KMT2A proteins. This pathway is known to drive leukemic cell growth in patients with KMT2A gene rearrangements or NPM1 gene mutations. By targeting this mechanism, the investigational therapy aims to address significant unmet needs in AML treatment.
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults and remains one of the most difficult blood cancers to treat. The disease is aggressive and fast progressing, with high relapse rates and particularly poor outcomes among older patients and those with high risk genetic profiles. AML has the lowest survival rate among leukemias, and without prompt treatment, patients can die within months.
Blackstone Life Sciences is a private investment platform focused on investing across the life cycle of companies and products in key life science sectors. The firm combines large scale investments with operational leadership to support the development of new medicines and medical technologies. The platform currently manages approximately $15 billion in assets.
KEY QUOTES
“We believe that bleximenib’s promising clinical data, combined with Johnson & Johnson’s deep expertise in hematologic malignancies, create a strong foundation to address critical gaps in patient care. We are excited by this agreement with Johnson & Johnson, furthering our network of global leaders to accelerate innovation across the life sciences sector.”
Dr. Nicholas Galakatos, Global Head Of Blackstone Life Sciences
“As an aggressive, fast-progressing blood cancer with high relapse rates, there is an urgent need for better, more tolerable treatment options for patients living with AML. Our mission is to help leaders like Johnson & Johnson advance the promise of innovative medicines like bleximenib and bring them to patients across the globe.”
Dr. Ari Brettman, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Life Sciences
