Johnson & Johnson has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for approximately $6.5 billion in cash. 

This acquisition expands Janssen Pharmaceutical’s portfolio in immune-mediated diseases into autoantibody-driven disease. J&J gains global rights to nipocalimab (M281), a clinically validated, potentially best-in-class anti-FcRn antibody. Nipocalimab gives Janssen the opportunity to reach significantly more patients across many autoimmune disease indications, with substantial unmet medical need in maternal-fetal disorders, neuro-inflammatory disorders, rheumatology, dermatology and autoimmune hematology.

Nipocalimab recently received a rare pediatric disease designation from the U.S. FDA. Momenta’s expertise in FcRn mechanisms is especially important for nipocalimab as it supports and accelerates the development of a medicine designed to target a number of autoantibody-driven conditions across several of Janssen’s established therapeutic areas.

Autoimmune diseases driven partially or completely by autoantibodies represent a novel area where Janssen can significantly grow its assets. Autoantibody-driven diseases include Myasthenia Gravis, Hemolytic Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn, warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, and other serious dermatologic, rheumatic, neurologic, hematologic and renal diseases.

With competitively differentiated, parallel development programs and full worldwide commercial rights for nipocalimab, Janssen will have the potential to introduce multiple launches, many as first-in-class indications with potential for significant peak year sales, some of which could exceed $1 billion. 

In addition to Momenta’s employees and lead asset nipocalimab, Janssen will acquire Momenta’s pipeline of clinical and preclinical assets. Janssen plans to retain Momenta’s presence in Cambridge, MA.