Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has confirmed it has acquired neurological drug developer Intra-Cellular Therapies in a US$14.6bn deal.
The deal will see J&J strengthen is neurological drug portfolio with Intra-Cellular’s central nervous system disorder therapeutics for conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
This includes CAPLYTA (lumateperone), which is an approved oral therapy for schizophrenia, as well as for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder, and as a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. It also includes ITI-1284, which is currently being studied in a Phase 2 trial for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and Alzheimer’s disease-related psychosis and agitation.
According to reports, Intra-Cellular’s shares skyrocketed by 32 per cent this morning.
Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, Joaquin Duato, said: “Building on our nearly 70-year legacy in neuroscience, this unique opportunity to add Intra-Cellular Therapies to our Innovative Medicine business demonstrates our commitment to transforming care and advancing research in some of today’s most devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
“This acquisition further differentiates our portfolio, serves as a strategic near- and long-term growth catalyst for Johnson & Johnson and offers compelling value to patients, health systems and shareholders.”
“We are excited to welcome Intra-Cellular Therapies’ talented people and world-class expertise to Johnson & Johnson,” said Jennifer Taubert, executive vice president at Johnson & Johnson.
“Together, we have an opportunity to impact even more patients living with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, significantly advancing care and helping improve the lives of millions worldwide.”
Dr. Sharon Mates, chairman and CEO of Intra-Cellular Therapies, said: “Johnson & Johnson has a longstanding commitment to neuroscience, and we believe together, we can reach even more patients around the world.”
A supplemental new drug application (sNDA) was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CAPLYTA by Intra-Cellular in December 2024 as an adjunctive treatment for adults with major depressive disorder, which the company says will be the first treatment in 15 years for the condition if approved.
“CAPLYTA has robust efficacy, proven safety and favourable tolerability across all three approved indications, without the need for dose titration frequently associated with this class of therapies,” said John Reed, executive vice president, R&D, innovative medicine at Johnson & Johnson.
“With positive Phase 3 data in MDD as an adjunctive therapy and additional Phase 3 trials in other mental health disorders underway, we believe CAPLYTA has the potential to become a new standard of care for the treatment of some of today’s most prevalent and debilitating mental health disorders.”
The deal is expected to close this year following a review.
