Johnson & Johnson acquires Numab spin-off for USD 1.25 billion

Numab Therapeutics AG based in Horgen (ZH) is developing multi-specific antibody-based immunotherapies for inflammation and cancer. Johnson & Johnson will acquire global rights to Numabs lead molecule NM26, a Phase 2-ready investigational, first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting two clinically proven pathways in atopic dermatitis (AD) for a total cash consideration of USD 1.25 billion. Yellow Jersey Therapeutics is a demerged subsidiary of HBM portfolio company Numab Therapeutics AG which holds the rights to NM26, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-4Rα (type I and type II receptors) and IL-31 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis set to enter phase 2 of clinical development. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024.

Atopic dermatitis, often referred to as eczema, is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin. It is a common condition that usually begins in childhood; however, anyone can get the disease at any age.

David Urech, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Numab commented: “This transaction validates the power of our discovery and engineering platform and its potential to bring multiple novel multi-specific antibodies to large, underserved patient populations. Our partnering strategy engaging biopharma partners such as Kaken, Eisai, Boehringer Ingelheim and Ono from early on, has been instrumental in realizing the value of our platform and will continue to be key to advancing our potentially transformative immunology and oncology programs.”

Numab’s therapeutic design process using proprietary platforms puts it in a unique position to overcome historical drug discovery barriers and build a pipeline of new and important medicines. Numab’s diverse research pipeline spans oncology, immunology and inflammatory diseases and creates the opportunity for the next generation of first-in-class and best-in-class medicines. Several of the Company’s antibody candidates are being developed in partnership with biopharma collaborators. Numab's investors include Novo Holdings, HBM Partners, Forbion, BVF Partners L.P., RTW Investments L.P. and others.

Numab’s lead molecule in oncology, NM32, is a tri-specific antibody for the treatment of solid tumours. It induces T cell-mediated lysis of tumors expressing ROR1 (Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Like Orphan Receptor 1. ROR1 is overexpressed on a variety of difficult to treat tumors, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. NM32 is in Phase 1 clinical trials.

(Press release / SK)