Johnson & Johnson Inc is to spend $1.25 billion to acquire the developer of a bi-specific antibody for atoptic dermatitis, a chronic and sometimes life-long skin disease. The antibody, NM26, was developed by a subsidiary of the Swiss biotech, Numab Therapeutics AG and is poised to enter Phase 2. Investors in the asset include the European venture capital companies Novo Holdings A/S and Forbion, which supported its development for autoimmune diseases. J&J will acquire the Numab unit Yellow Jersey Therapeutics.
