Molecular Partners, Janssen end DARPin deal

Molecular Partners AG (SIX:MOLN) said it regained rights to a pulmonary disease candidate from the Janssen Biotech Inc. unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) after the parties ended a partnership to develop multispecific designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins).

Janssen spokesperson Brian Kenney told BioCentury the company has deprioritized development of pulmonary candidates within its immunotherapy therapeutic area. Molecular Partners said it will evaluate whether to develop, partner or discontinue the candidate, which targets IL-13 and IL-17 and is "ready to enter preclinical development." ...