NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 17, 2009--
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Elan Corporation plc (NYSE:ELN) today
announced that JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy, a newly formed
subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has completed the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and rights of Elan related to its
Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy Program (AIP). In addition, Johnson & Johnson,
through its affiliate, Janssen Pharmaceutical, has invested $885 million
in exchange for newly issued American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) of
Elan, representing 18.4% of Elan’s outstanding ordinary shares.
The AIP represented Elan’s interest in a collaboration with Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals to research, develop and commercialize selective
products for the treatment and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy will now assume Elan’s activities with
Wyeth under the AIP and continue development activities for
bapineuzumab, a potential first-in-class treatment being evaluated for
slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The AIP includes multiple compounds being evaluated for slowing the
progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. The lead compound (bapineuzumab),
administered intravenously once every three months, is currently in
Phase 3 clinical trials. A subcutaneous formulation, administered once a
week, is currently in Phase 2 trials. In addition, a vaccine for
Alzheimer’s Disease (ACC-001) is also in Phase 2 trials.
About JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy
JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy is researching, developing and
commercializing selective products for the treatment and/or prevention
of Alzheimer’s Disease. This includes bapineuzumab, a potential
first-in-class treatment that is being evaluated for slowing the
progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy will
strive to provide innovative, high quality, safe and effective
treatments and continually seek new opportunities to offer solutions for
unmet health care needs. JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy is based in
Dublin and has R&D facilities in South San Francisco.
JANSSEN Alzheimer Immunotherapy is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world, one person at a time… inspires and unites the
people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science – bringing
innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and
well-being of people. Our approximately 119,000 employees at more than
250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to
touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.
About Elan
Elan Corporation, plc is a neuroscience-based biotechnology company
committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their
families by bringing innovations in science to fill significant unmet
medical needs. Elan shares trade on the New York and Dublin Stock
Exchanges. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.elan.com.
(This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements
are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying
assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties
materialize, actual results could vary materially from Johnson &
Johnson’s and Elan Corporation, plc’s expectations and projections.
Risks and uncertainties include general industry conditions and
competition; business and economic conditions, such as interest rate and
currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents
attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign
healthcare reforms and government laws and regulations; and trends
toward healthcare cost containment. A further list and description of
these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Exhibit 99
of Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 28, 2008, and Elan Corporation, plc’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as well as other
subsequent filings. Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent
filings, are available online at www.sec.gov,
www.jnj.com,
www.elan.com,
or on request from Johnson & Johnson or Elan Corporation,plc. Neither
Johnson & Johnson nor Elan Corporation, plc undertakes to update any
forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future
events or developments.)
Source: Elan Corporation plc
Media:
Johnson & Johnson
Srikant Ramaswami
(609)730-2658(o)
(609)647-8195
(mobile)
or
Jeff Leebaw
(732)524-3350 (o)
or
Elan
Mary
Stutts
(650) 794-4403
or
Niamh Lyons
353-1-663-3602
Investors:
Johnson & Johnson
Louise Mehrotra
(732)
524-6491
or
Lesley Fishman
(732) 524-3922
or
Elan
Chris
Burns
(800) 252-3526
or
David Marshall
353-1-709-4444