SPRING HOUSE, Pa. - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: NYSE:JNJ) has released new data on nipocalimab, an investigational drug with potential to treat diseases driven by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Published in the peer-reviewed journal mAbs, the study presents nipocalimab’s high-affinity binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and its capability to significantly reduce IgG levels, including harmful autoantibodies, by over 75%.
Nipocalimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to selectively bind to FcRn, which plays a critical role in preserving IgG antibodies in the body. By blocking FcRn, nipocalimab aims to lower circulating IgG levels without impacting overall immune function. The drug’s pH-independent binding is particularly noteworthy, as it may allow for the treatment of alloimmune diseases in pregnancy. The efficacy of nipocalimab has been supported by various preclinical studies and is consistent with outcomes from clinical trials in phases 1, 2, and 3, although its clinical significance remains to be determined.
Dr. Pushpa Narayanaswami, a neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical (TASE:PMCN) Center and Professor of Clinical Neurology at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the urgent need for targeted treatments for severe IgG-driven autoantibody diseases, such as generalized myasthenia gravis. Dr. Narayanaswami, who contributed to the research, expressed optimism about nipocalimab’s unique properties in addressing these conditions’ underlying causes.
Nipocalimab has received several key designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), including Fast Track designation for various conditions and Breakthrough Therapy designation for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and Sjögren’s disease. It has also been granted Orphan drug status for multiple diseases, reflecting its potential to address unmet medical needs.
While the press release from Johnson & Johnson includes forward-looking statements regarding nipocalimab’s development and potential benefits, it is important to note that such statements are based on current expectations and may change as further research and regulatory reviews continue. This report is based on a press release statement and does not endorse the claims made.
In other recent news, Johnson & Johnson is intending to sell its stroke care business, Cerenovus, as part of a restructuring plan for its medical technology division. The company is seeking a valuation of over $1 billion for the sale, with potential buyers already being presented with the opportunity. This development follows Johnson & Johnson’s continued efforts to restructure its medical technology division, with the sale of Cerenovus being the latest step in this strategy.
In terms of analyst updates, Guggenheim has maintained a Neutral rating on Johnson & Johnson but increased the stock’s price target from $162.00 to $166.00. This adjustment follows the release of the company’s fourth-quarter 2024 results, which reported sales of $22.5 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.04. Similarly, Barclays (LON:BARC) analyst Matt Miksic increased the price target for Johnson & Johnson shares to $166, while maintaining an Equalweight rating on the stock.
Conversely, Bernstein SocGen Group adjusted its outlook on Johnson & Johnson stock, reducing the price target to $158 from $160 while maintaining a Market Perform rating. This adjustment followed Johnson & Johnson’s release of its fourth-quarter results and future guidance, which presented a mixed picture of the company’s performance and expectations. These are among the recent developments for Johnson & Johnson.
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