[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Monday that it will acquire Intra-Cellular Therapies, a company specializing in treatments for central nervous system disorders, for approximately $14.6 billion (around 21.35 trillion KRW).
Intra-Cellular Therapies, based in New York, focuses on developing and selling products for the central nervous system. The company is particularly known for its innovative approach to drug development, utilizing intracellular signaling mechanisms. In particular, its schizophrenia and bipolar depression treatment, Caplyta (lumateperone), has seen significant growth in sales, gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry.
Through this acquisition, Johnson & Johnson will gain ownership of Caplyta, as well as the clinical-stage drug ITI-1284, currently in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and Alzheimer's-related mental health disorders.
This deal is the largest merger and acquisition (M&A) in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry since Novo Nordisk's investment of over $16.5 billion in Catalent last February.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
