Johnson & Johnson Inks Over $1.2B Deal for Kaken's Oral STAT6 Inhibitor KP-723 Targeting Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases

Dec 29, 2024 09:20 CST Updated 09:20

Johnson & Johnson

Medical Device R&D and Manufacturer

Kaken

Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

▎WuXi AppTec Content Team Report

Kaken Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. recently announced that the company has reached an agreement with Johnson & Johnson regardingSTAT6 ProjectGlobal Development, Manufacturing, and Commercialization License Agreement Reached. According to the terms of the agreement, Kaken will grant Johnson & Johnson an exclusive license for the global development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the STAT6 project.Including KP-723, an oral STAT6 inhibitor in preclinical development。This project aims to develop treatments for autoimmune and allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD).

Kaken to Receive $30 Million Upfront Payment from Johnson & Johnson, with Potential for up to $1.2175 Billion in Additional Payments Based on Development Progress and Sales Milestones. In addition, Kaken is eligible to obtainJohnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC(Equity investment by Johnson & Johnson's venture capital organization).Kaken will advance the completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial for KP-723, after which Johnson & Johnson will conduct global clinical development and commercialization.Kaken will retain the commercialization rights in Japan, while Johnson & Johnson will have the right to enter into a co-promotion agreement with Kaken.

STAT6 is a key nodal transcription factor that selectively mediates downstream signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, which are major and central cytokines in the pathophysiology of type 2 inflammatory diseases. Therefore, STAT6 inhibitors offer the potential for developing novel targeted oral therapies for patients with type 2 inflammatory diseases, including various dermatological and respiratory conditions. According to a press release by Johnson & Johnson,KP-723 is expected to begin in China next year.Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in ChinaThe 1Phase clinical trials, and may be applied to other TH2Mediated diseases, including asthma.

Kaken has been conducting drug discovery research on STAT6 inhibitors as the next generation of oral treatments for inflammatory diseases and has been committed to the global development of candidate compounds. With the signing of a licensing agreement with Johnson & Johnson, Kaken will further accelerate the global development of STAT6 inhibitors and contribute to improving the quality of life for patients with inflammatory diseases by providing potentially new therapeutic drugs to as many patients as possible.

References:

[1]KAKEN Entered into a License Agreement for STAT6 Inhibitor. Retrieved Dec 26，2024, From https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/4521/ir_material3/243053/00.pdf

[2]Johnson & Johnson to license novel oral assets, further strengthening commitment to atopic dermatitis. Retrieved Dec 26，2024, From https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-to-license-novel-oral-assets-further-strengthening-commitment-to-atopic-dermatitis

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