Johnson & Johnson to license novel oral assets, further strengthening commitment to atopic dermatitis

• The Company is licensing a STAT6 program from Kaken Pharmaceutical that targets a clinically relevant pathway in atopic dermatitis as well as other autoimmune and allergic diseases
• The agreement bolsters Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to addressing disease-relevant pathways across patient types through novel mechanisms and modalities to transform the treatment of atopic dermatitis as well as other autoimmune and allergic diseases

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (December 26, 2024) – Johnson & Johnson¹ (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the global development, manufacturing and commercialization of a STAT6 program for autoimmune and allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), from Kaken Pharmaceutical.

Johnson & Johnson gains an exclusive license to Kaken’s STAT6 program, including lead candidate KP-723. Kaken will retain the commercialization rights in Japan, where Johnson & Johnson will have an option to enter into a co-promotion agreement with Kaken. Separately, Kaken is eligible to receive an equity investment from Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc., the venture capital organization of Johnson & Johnson.

By modulating STAT6, KP-723 complements the Company’s portfolio of molecules targeting pathways relevant to AD. KP-723 is anticipated to begin Phase 1 trials in AD next year and may have applications in other Th2-mediated diseases, including asthma.

“To address the significant unmet need for people living with the highly heterogeneous diseases of atopic dermatitis and asthma, we must have multiple treatment candidates in our pipeline that target key pathways driving disease progression,” said David Lee, Global Immunology Therapeutic Area Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “STAT6 represents a promising area of research, as it offers a potential for an effective and safe oral option for people struggling to manage atopic dermatitis and other autoimmune diseases.”

AD is the most common inflammatory skin disease. It causes itching and inflammation, which are made worse by scratching. It can lead to increased risk of skin infections, skin pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, stress, depression and even an increased risk of suicide.

“Nearly three-quarters of people with atopic dermatitis are not achieving remission with currently available treatments,” said Candice Long, Worldwide Vice President, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. “Our investment in KP-723 may allow us to provide a novel treatment option with the convenience of a pill for patients living with this complex immune-mediated disease.”

¹ License Agreement between Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., a Johnson & Johnson Company, and Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

About Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the United States. The disease is characterized by an overactive immune system that causes damage to the skin barrier, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to rashes. Atopic dermatitis may come and go throughout life and patients can experience severe flares of their disease. The condition can cause poor quality of life by causing social stigma impacting the ability to interact with family and friends, interrupting sleep due to intense itching and/or painful skin, and leading to anxiety, stress and depression with an increased risk of suicide.

About STAT6
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (“STAT”) proteins are both signaling proteins and transcription factors that play a role in cell growth, differentiation and function. STAT6 is a key nodal transcription factor that selectively mediates downstream signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, dominant and central cytokines in the pathophysiology of Type 2 inflammatory diseases (including atopic dermatitis and asthma). A drug targeting STAT6 offers the potential for a novel best-in-class targeted oral medication for the treatment of patients with Type 2 inflammatory diseases.

【Editor’s note】The above info is cited from Johnson & Johnson website. Please visit it for detailed information. Many thanks!