Johnson & Johnson announced that it is discontinuing the Phase 2b study—dubbed DUPLEX‑AD—of its experimental bispecific antibody, JNJ‑5939, in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The decision follows an interim analysis that showed the drug did not meet the high‑bar efficacy thresholds set by the company for advancing the candidate.
The interim data revealed that JNJ‑5939, which had demonstrated a well‑tolerated safety profile in earlier cohorts, failed to achieve the predefined improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score required to justify further development. Because the study did not meet its primary endpoint, the company elected to stop enrollment and terminate the program.
Johnson & Johnson has invested heavily in dermatology, acquiring Yellow Jersey Therapeutics in May 2024 for $1.25 billion (which included the bispecific antibody NM26) and Proteologix for $850 million (which added the AD candidates PX128 and PX130). The company’s dermatology pipeline also includes JNJ‑4804, JNJ‑5108, JNJ‑6848, and JNJ‑7528. The halt of JNJ‑5939 removes a potential revenue source but does not derail the broader strategy, which remains focused on multiple high‑potential candidates and the recent acquisitions.
From a business perspective, the loss of JNJ‑5939 represents a setback in a competitive market that includes established therapies such as Dupixent and Rinvoq. However, the company’s diversified portfolio—spanning oncology, immunology, and neuroscience—provides a buffer against the impact of a single program’s failure. Management has emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to high‑bar standards rather than a lack of confidence in the overall dermatology effort.
Investors reacted with relative calm; the company’s stock remained stable in the days following the announcement, and analysts noted that the broader pipeline and recent earnings growth mitigate the negative effect of this specific trial halt. Management reiterated its focus on rigorous clinical development and strategic resource allocation, underscoring that the decision aligns with its long‑term growth objectives.
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