J&J beats earnings estimates, eyes mid-2027 hip and knee unit spinoff

Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) shares rose 15% after Q3 sales grew 3.7% in constant currency, with hips, sports medicine, and technology segments growing 7% or more. The company raised its 2026 guidance, citing progress in diversification. Knees, 37% of sales, declined 2.6%. Rival Stryker (SYK) and Smith & Nephew (SNN) also saw gains, despite Smith & Nephew cutting its outlook.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported positive results for its Javelin catheter, meeting both primary goals in a pivotal study. Impella heart pump data showed lower death rates than a previous negative study. Javelin is still under FDA review, and Impella's recovery depends on future trials. JNJ's cardiovascular unit saw a sales decline, with Impella contributing 1.6% of total revenue. Analysts project a ~25% total return for JNJ stock.

Johnson & Johnson's TREMFYA (guselkumab) has been approved for reimbursement in Ireland for treating moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The approval is based on Phase 3 trials showing significant clinical remission rates. According to the company, it offers a novel dual mechanism of action and improved outcomes for patients.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) presented data at a symposium showing lower mortality rates in high-risk PCI patients using Impella heart pumps compared to the CHIP-BCIS3 trial. Three analyses, involving 1,379 patients, reported 30-day mortality rates of 6.1% and 4.7%, and 90-day rates of 6.5%. J&J's heart recovery chief medical officer highlighted the importance of device usage and patient selection. The company continues studying Impella, with PROTECT IV trial results expected in 2027.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported that its Shockwave Javelin coronary catheter met primary endpoints in the FORWARD CAD study, with 93.6% successful lesion crossing and 93.4% safety. The study involved 158 patients. Separately, J&J shared favorable Impella data from three analyses, showing low mortality rates. JNJ closed at $273.20, down 0.73%.

A substudy of the phase 3 PROTEUS trial, presented at ESMO Congress 2026, showed that perioperative apalutamide plus ADT reduced recurrence or death risk by 62% in high-risk prostate cancer patients. The study, supported by Johnson & Johnson, met primary endpoints, including event-free survival and metastasis-free survival. Lead author Alberto Briganti suggested the treatment could become a standard option for eligible patients.