J&J partners with pair of Canadian companies

The Janssen Inc. unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) started separate collaborations with gene therapy company enGene Inc. (Montreal, Quebec) to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and oncology start-up Novera Therapeutics Inc. (Toronto, Ontario) to treat hematologic malignancies. Both deals were facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

enGene develops non-viral vectors that deliver genes to intestinal cells. The partners will jointly develop lead enGene program EG-12 to clinical proof of mechanism in patients with IBD, after which Janssen will have an option to obtain an exclusive, worldwide license to the therapy in all indications. EG-12 delivers DNA carrying interleukin-10 (IL-10) to the gut. Janssen also receives the right to explore the use of enGene's platform to deliver a payload against one additional undisclosed target. ...