Johnson & Johnson to buy Alios BioPharma for US$1.75bn
Strengthening its pipeline in viral diseases
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to buy California-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company Alios BioPharma for US$1.75bn.
The deal will give Johnson & Johnson access to a portfolio of potential therapeutics for viral infections, including the orally administered compound AL-8176.
The antiviral therapy is currently in Phase II studies as a treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
William Hait, Global Head, Research & Development for Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, said: 'We are excited that this acquisition will enable us to explore treatment options for a number of viral infections, including RSV, the last of the major paediatric diseases with no available preventive therapy.
'AL-8176 complements our existing early stage portfolio for RSV which aims to prevent and treat this disease, the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children under the age of five.'
Johan Van Hoof, Global Head, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen, added: 'Alios BioPharma's pipeline is closely aligned with our vision to continue to address important unmet medical needs through scientific innovation.
'This acquisition will allow us to combine their innovative compounds with our vast experience in viral diseases to deliver novel medicines and treatment options for patients worldwide.'
The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
