Johnson & Johnson, after several prior failed R&D attempts in AD, will pay Numab $1.25bn to acquire a subsidiary and its Phase II-ready bispecific antibody for key unmet needs in the disease.

A strong fourth quarter and full-year 2019 performance by J&J was driven by significant sales growth for Tremfya and Stelara. CFO Wolk said a $4bn opioids settlement remains on track.

Roche will obtain options to license candidates discovered and optimized by Rheos under the collaboration. Jazz acquires US rights to PharmaMar SCLC candidate, while Biogen teams with both Ionis and Catalyst.

The VC firm known for its new company formation efforts will launch 10-12 biopharma, device and diagnostic ventures with its fifth fund. Also, EpimAb raises a $74m series B round, three more drug developers join the IPO queue and Amicus leads recent follow-on offerings.