Johnson & Johnson(JNJ), Psoriasis · Anti-cancer · Medical devices "Comprehensive achievements" ... Continuous clinical and FDA approvals

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) continues to achieve results across a comprehensive product pipeline ranging from immune diseases to oncology and ophthalmic medical devices, reaffirming its position as a “global healthcare leader.”

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced the results of its Phase 3 clinical trial, revealing that the psoriasis treatment drug “ICOTYDE” maintained sustained skin improvement and stable safety characteristics over 52 weeks. In the ADVANCE study conducted on patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the rate of complete skin improvement (PASI100) rose to a maximum of 49%, reaching 57% in the adolescent patient population. No new safety issues were identified. The drug received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults and adolescents on March 18 of this year. As the first oral IL-23 receptor peptide drug, approximately 70% of patients achieved “complete or almost complete improvement (IGA 0/1)” at the 16-week benchmark in clinical trials involving about 2,500 subjects.

Significant progress has also been made in the field of oncology. Johnson & Johnson presented Phase 1 data for the bladder cancer treatment candidate “Erda-iDRS” at the 2026 European Association of Urology (EAU) conference. Among patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the complete remission rate reached 89%, with a median duration of response lasting 18 months. The recurrence-free survival period for high-risk patients was 20 months. The company explained that its safety profile is primarily reflected in local side effects, with limited systemic exposure.

Meaningful advancements have also been achieved in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The combination therapy of “TECVAYLI” and “DARZALEX FASPRO” in a Phase 3 clinical trial reduced the risk of progression-free survival (PFS) by 83% compared to existing treatments and demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival (OS). However, an increased rate of infections and cytokine release syndrome was observed, though most cases were mild and manageable.

In the field of immune diseases, “nipocalimab” has received Fast Track designation from the FDA as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), laying the groundwork for accelerated development. Phase 2 studies have confirmed its ability to reduce disease activity and potentially decrease steroid usage, with global Phase 3 clinical trials currently ongoing. Additionally, the application for expanded indications as a treatment for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) has been submitted.

The medical devices sector has also seen continuous achievements. Johnson & Johnson received FDA approval for the intraocular lens “TECNIS PureSee IOL” used in cataract surgery. This lens is characterized by its ability to extend depth of field while maintaining comparable contrast sensitivity to existing monofocal lenses, with reports indicating that 97% of patients experienced no severe visual disturbances.

On the other hand, the prostate cancer treatment candidate “pasritamig” in combination therapy showed positive signals in early clinical trials, with 64.7% of patients reducing PSA levels by over 50%. No severe side effects or treatment-related deaths were reported.

Johnson & Johnson plans to hold an investor conference call ahead of its first-quarter earnings release on April 14. CEO Joaquin Duato and CFO Joseph Wolk will participate personally to explain the results and future strategies.

Comment: Johnson & Johnson’s simultaneous clinical, licensing, and commercialization achievements across pharmaceuticals and medical devices demonstrate the effectiveness of its “diversification of product portfolio” strategy.