Johnson & Johnson has announced that it is acquiring the clinical-stage biotechnology company Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion cash, a deal which will come with a novel technology platform capable of developing highly-targeted oral treatments for solid tumors.
J&J is using the acquisition of Halda to grow its oncology portfolio with therapies that have novel or complementary mechanisms of action, although the drug platform may also lead to the creation of novel targeted therapies for diseases other than cancers.
The lead asset in the acquisition is HLD-0195, a clinical-stage therapy for prostate cancer. This once-daily drug uses novel precision to kill cancer cells that are resistant to other treatments. Other drugs included in the acquisition are earlier candidates for breast and lung tumors.