Johnson & Johnson has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Proteologix, a privately-held biotechnology company focused on bispecific antibodies for immune-mediated diseases, for $850 million in cash, with the potential for an additional milestone payment.
Proteologix’s portfolio includes PX128, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-13 plus TSLP, which is ready to enter phase 1 development for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and moderate to severe asthma, along with PX130, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-13 plus IL-22 (in preclinical development for moderate to severe AD). Since AD and asthma are heterogeneous diseases with different disease-driving pathways in distinct patient subpopulations, targeting multiple pathways offers the potential to deliver high-bar efficacy and remission.
PX128 inhibits IL-13-mediated Th2 skin inflammation, an important disease-driving pathway in AD and asthma, and TSLP, a mediator of tissue inflammation in AD and asthma. Like PX128, PX130 inhibits IL-13-mediated Th2 skin inflammation. PX130 also inhibits IL-22 to restore the skin barrier and prevent inflammation from environmental triggers, such as allergens. Both assets are designed for infrequent dosing intervals, which offers the convenience that patients prefer. These pipeline additions demonstrate a strategic approach to build a portfolio of differentiated and complementary bispecifics.
Along with PX128 and PX130, the acquisition will provide J&J with other bispecific antibody programs with applications across various other diseases, further boosting the company’s capabilities to create novel bispecific programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease, impacting more than 100 million adults worldwide. About 70% of patients using existing standard-of-care therapies do not reach remission[^1]. Current advanced therapies for AD either target a single pathway and have limited efficacy or are more broadly immunosuppressive, resulting in significant safety concerns. 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 that are mediating the skin inflammation in heterogenous subpopulations of AD patients.”
– David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
“Integrating Proteologix bispecific antibodies into our pipeline is an important first step in fulfilling our commitment to people living with AD. We plan to continue expanding our reach and impact for people living with a wide variety of immune-mediated diseases, leveraging more targeted options for them to reach durable, symptom-free remission.”
– Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson
