Johnson & Johnson has acquired California-based clinical stage biopharma company Alios BioPharma for $1.75bn.
The deal will give it access to a portfolio of potential therapeutics for viral infections, including the orally administered AL-8176.
The antiviral therapy has the potential to be first-in-class and is currently in phase II studies as a treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
William Hait, global head of research and development for Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, said: “We are excited that this acquisition will enable us to explore treatment options for a number of viral infections, including RSV, the last of the major paediatric diseases with no available preventive therapy.
“AL-8176 complements our existing early stage portfolio for RSV which aims to prevent and treat this disease, the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children under the age of five,” he added.
The acquisition will include Alios BioPharma’s preclinical programmes that target influenza and rhinovirus, as well as RSV.
Johan Van Hoof, global head of infectious diseases and vaccines at Janssen, said: “Alios BioPharma’s pipeline is closely aligned with our vision to continue to address important unmet medical needs through scientific innovation.
“This acquisition will allow us to combine their innovative compounds with our vast experience in viral diseases to deliver novel medicines and treatment options for patients worldwide.”
The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.