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J&J Expands Cell Therapy Portfolio with New CAR-T Deals

Johnson & Johnson has secured rights to two experimental cell therapies for blood cancer, aiming to build on its success in CAR-T treatment development. The deal with Cellular Biomedicine Group involves a $245 million upfront payment for access to therapies showing promise in early-phase trials for recurrent diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Johnson & Johnson has made a significant move in the cell therapy field by acquiring rights to two experimental cell therapies aimed at treating blood cancer. This strategic decision is part of J&J's effort to expand its portfolio following the success of its CAR-T treatment for multiple myeloma. The agreement with Cellular Biomedicine Group includes a $245 million upfront payment for access to two CAR-T therapies that have demonstrated positive results in early-phase trials for patients with recurrent diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
This deal enhances J&J's presence in the cell therapy sector, where it already markets Carvykti, a treatment for multiple myeloma. The newly acquired therapies are either in early testing phases or are expected to begin human trials soon. One of the therapies is a 'bispecific' treatment designed to reprogram a patient's immune cells to target two different markers, CD19 and CD20, found on cancerous cells. The other therapy targets CD20 and is being developed for follicular lymphoma.
The agreement not only includes the initial payment but also encompasses unspecified milestones and, upon approval of the treatments, royalties on net sales. While the deal currently excludes China, J&J has the option to acquire rights there as well. This partnership marks another significant step for Cellular Biomedicine Group, which has previously collaborated with Novartis to supply Kymriah, the first U.S.-approved CAR-T cell therapy, in China. The alliance between J&J and Cellular Biomedicine is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2023.
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Reference News

[1]
J&J, building on CAR-T success, strikes another cell ...
biopharmadive.com · May 2, 2023

Johnson & Johnson acquired rights to two experimental CAR-T therapies for blood cancer from Cellular Biomedicine Group, ...

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