J&J reveals spate of partnerships

The Johnson & Johnson Innovation unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) unveiled a series of new partnerships Thursday, including collaborations in cancer, immunotherapy, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Among the 15 deals, J&J's Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit partnered with Bird Rock Bio Inc. (La Jolla, Calif.) to develop namacizumab. The antibody targeting cannabinoid CD1 receptor (CNR1) is in a Phase I trial. Janssen said CNR1 is implicated in NASH and diabetic kidney disease. J&J has an exclusive option to acquire Bird Rock after the trial reads out...