11:30 AM EST, 12/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) said Thursday it signed an exclusive licensing deal for the global development, manufacturing and commercialization of Kaken Pharmaceutical's STAT6 program for atopic dermatitis and other autoimmune and allergic diseases.

The program includes the company's lead candidate, KP-723, which is expected to start phase 1 trials in atopic dermatitis next year, Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) said. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease.

Under the terms of the deal, Kaken will retain the commercialization rights in Japan, while Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) will have the option to sign a co-promotion agreement with Kaken in that market.

Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) said Kaken is also eligible to receive an equity investment from Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, the healthcare products conglomerate's venture capital organization.

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