J&J and Genmab Discontinue Key Therapies Amid Strategic Shifts

Johnson & Johnson and Genmab have both announced the termination of high-profile drug development programs, signaling significant shifts in their respective pipelines as the pharmaceutical industry enters 2026.

J&J Halts $1.25B Eczema Therapy Development

Johnson & Johnson has ceased development of JNJ-95475939, an IL-4 and IL-31 inhibitor acquired from Numab Therapeutics in 2024 for $1.25 billion. The drug, aimed at treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, failed to meet efficacy expectations in a phase 2b study comparing it to Dupixent, a leading IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor.

Despite the setback, J&J remains committed to its atopic dermatitis pipeline. The company emphasized that JNJ-95475939 was well-tolerated and that they continue to pursue other promising candidates in this therapeutic area.

Genmab Abandons Acasunlimab Cancer Program

Danish biopharma company Genmab has discontinued development of acasunlimab, a PD-L1x4-1BB bispecific antibody previously partnered with BioNTech. The decision follows BioNTech's earlier withdrawal from the collaboration in August 2024.

Genmab CEO Jan van de Winkel cited a strategic focus on "the most value-creating opportunities" as the reason for halting the program. The company will redirect resources to other late-stage pipeline assets, including the AbbVie-partnered blood cancer drug Epkinly and petosemtamab, an EGFR×LGR5 bispecific antibody acquired through the $8 billion Merus buyout.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

These pipeline adjustments reflect the ongoing challenges and strategic recalibrations within the pharmaceutical industry. Both companies are prioritizing resources on programs with the highest potential impact, a trend likely to continue as the sector navigates an increasingly competitive landscape.

J&J's inflammation portfolio remains robust, with icotrokinra awaiting regulatory decisions after outperforming Bristol Myers Squibb's Sotyktu in phase 3 psoriasis trials. Meanwhile, Genmab's focus on Epkinly, petosemtamab, and Rina-S positions the company for potential success in oncology and women's health.

As the industry moves forward, these strategic decisions underscore the importance of adaptability and focused resource allocation in pharmaceutical R&D. The coming year promises to be pivotal for both companies as they advance their restructured pipelines and await key clinical readouts.