Gilead or Johnson & Johnson: Is Faster Growth Better than Greater Diversification?

Johnson & Johnson reported that 50% of patients with early-line relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma remained progression-free for at least five years after a single Carvykti infusion, per the CARTITUDE-2 study. The company suggests earlier use of cilta-cel may improve long-term disease control. Data were presented at the International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting, showing 69.2% overall survival and 60.5-month median progression-free survival at 60.7-month follow-up.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported positive Phase 4 STAR study results for TREMFYA, showing improvement in axial symptoms and reduced MRI-confirmed inflammation in adults with psoriatic arthritis. The study met primary and major secondary endpoints, with significant improvements in disease activity and inflammation measures. JNJ plans to present detailed results at a scientific congress. TREMFYA is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-23, with a known safety profile.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported long-term data from the CARTITUDE-2 study, showing 50% of 20 patients with multiple myeloma remained progression-free for five years after a single CARVYKTI infusion. The five-year overall survival rate was 69.2%, with a median progression-free survival of 60.5 months. JNJ is advancing CARVYKTI's evaluation and its broader multiple myeloma portfolio. The stock closed at $270.68, up 0.56%.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported that its Tremfya treatment showed significant improvement in spinal pain and stiffness in a Phase 4 study for axial psoriatic arthritis. The study met primary and secondary endpoints, including MRI-confirmed inflammation reduction. Tremfya is already approved for inflammatory conditions, and the study's safety profile aligned with its established profile. Detailed results are pending presentation at a scientific congress.

Johnson & Johnson reported positive results from clinical trials for Tremfya and Carvykti. Tremfya met primary and secondary endpoints in a psoriatic arthritis study, showing improvement in disease activity scores. Carvykti demonstrated 50% five-year progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients. JNJ shares were down 0.20% to $270.24 at the time of publication.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) extended its 64-year dividend growth streak with a 3.1% quarterly raise, supported by projected $21 billion in free cash flow. The company's oncology drugs, like CARVYKTI and TREMFYA, offset losses from Stelara biosimilars. JNJ's dividend yield is 1.94%, and shares are up 31.11% year-to-date. The company aims for a 65th consecutive hike in 2027, subject to free cash flow and litigation risks.