Johnson & Johnson announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire clinical-stage biotechnology company Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion in cash, marking the pharmaceutical giant's second major acquisition this year as it pursues its ambitious $50 billion oncology sales target by 2030.
The acquisition centers on Halda's proprietary Regulated Induced Proximity TArgeting Chimera (RIPTAC) platform, which develops oral, targeted therapies for multiple types of solid tumors. The deal is expected to close within the next few months, subject to antitrust clearance and other customary closing conditions.
Lead Asset Shows Promise in Prostate Cancer
Halda's lead candidate, HLD-0915, is a once-daily oral therapy for prostate cancer that received FDA fast track designation in August. Phase I/II data presented in late 2024 demonstrated encouraging preliminary signs of anti-tumor activity, with the therapy lowering prostate cancer biomarkers and achieving partial responses in five out of five patients. The ongoing Phase I/II trial for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) continues to generate data.
"Results seen with HLD-0915 demonstrate impressive preliminary efficacy and a strong early safety profile in prostate cancer," said John C. Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Innovative Medicine, R&D at Johnson & Johnson. "We are eager to accelerate the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of HLD-0915 and progress a pipeline of novel product candidates based on RIPTAC technology."
The timing is significant given that new prostate cancer diagnoses are projected to reach 1.7 million globally by 2030, highlighting the substantial unmet medical need this therapy could address.
Novel Platform Technology Addresses Treatment Resistance
Halda's RIPTAC platform represents a novel approach to cancer treatment, using linked ligands that target two different proteins: a tumor-specific protein and another protein with an essential function. This mechanism is designed to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing non-cancerous cells.
"Many therapies lose effectiveness over time due to resistance. Halda's innovative technology is designed to work even when cancers no longer respond to standard treatments using a novel mechanism that enables the selective killing of cancer cells," Reed explained.
Beyond the lead prostate cancer asset, Halda's pipeline includes a breast cancer drug targeting hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors, an asset being tested in lung cancer, and other undisclosed therapies. The platform's versatility may also enable the creation of novel targeted therapies beyond oncology.
Strategic Fit with J&J's Oncology Ambitions
The acquisition aligns with Johnson & Johnson's aggressive expansion in oncology. During a second-quarter earnings call in July, CEO Joaquin Duato announced the company's target of $50 billion in oncology sales by 2030.
"This acquisition further strengthens our deep oncology pipeline with an exciting lead asset in prostate cancer and a platform capable of treating multiple cancers and diseases beyond oncology, providing a potential mid- and long-term catalyst for growth," said Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson.
Financial Impact and Transaction Details
Johnson & Johnson expects dilution in 2026 of $0.15 to Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) due to short-term financing and a non-recurring charge related to equity awards for Halda employees upon closing. The company will provide commentary on full year 2026 guidance during its fourth quarter earnings call on January 21, 2026.
For Halda, the acquisition represents a swift return on investment since the company's 2019 launch from Yale chemistry professor Craig Crews' laboratory. The company recently completed a second series B raise of $126 million to advance HLD-0915 and an unnamed breast cancer asset.
This acquisition follows J&J's $14.6 billion purchase of neuropsychiatric-focused Intra-Cellular Therapies in January, which remains the largest pharma M&A deal of the year. The company has indicated that the rest of 2025 would be quiet for business development following these major transactions.
