Janssen licenses inflammatory bowel disease therapy from Protagonist Therapeutics

Janssen has announced a new worldwide exclusive licence and collaboration agreement with Protagonist Therapeutics for a new oral interleukin-23 receptor antagonist drug candidate.

Under the terms of the deal, Janssen will receive the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise PTG-200, which is in development for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

PTG-200 is a potential first-in-class oral IL-23R antagonist that is currently in early studies ahead of the initiation of a phase I clinical trial planned for 2017.

Protagonist will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive development and commercialisation-related milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales and a co-detailing option in the US if PTG-200 is commercialised.

Dr Susan Dillon, global therapeutic area head of immunology at Janssen, said: "We look forward to continuing a strong and productive collaboration in progressing this novel oral candidate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease."

This is the result of a longstanding relationship between Johnson and Johnson Innovation, Janssen and Protagonist Therapeutics that aims to advance new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases, which are becoming more common on a global basis.

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