UK Approves J&J's Oral Psoriasis Pill

Johnson & Johnson's Acuvue Abiliti 1-Day lenses showed significant reduction in myopia progression in children over 3 years, with lower axial length growth (0.21 mm vs. 0.53 mm) and refraction change (–0.24 D vs. –0.98 D) compared to controls. Visual acuity remained 20/20 or better. The lenses are not FDA-approved but are approved in Canada.

Smith & Nephew (SNN) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) ended merger talks over leadership disputes, with SNN refusing JNJ's orthopedics chief as CEO. JNJ may spin off its orthopedics unit, attracting private equity interest.

Merger talks between Smith & Nephew and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) collapsed due to leadership disagreements. JNJ wanted Namal Nawana to lead, while Smith & Nephew preferred its current CEO, Deepak Nath. The deal would have valued JNJ's orthopedics unit at up to $22B. JNJ's Q3 sales rose 6%, and it raised 2026 sales guidance to 6.7%-7.1%. JNJ stock is up 14% in 6 months, trading at $267.

The European Commission approved Johnson & Johnson's teclistamab (Tecvayli) monotherapy for adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy. The approval was supported by phase 3 trial data showing significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival compared to standard treatments.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Smith & Nephew halted merger talks over CEO dispute. J&J wanted its orthopaedics division head, Namal Nawana, to lead the combined company, but Smith & Nephew insisted on its CEO, Deepak Nath. The deal, valued at up to $22B, would have combined J&J's orthopaedics unit with Smith & Nephew. J&J's CFO indicated a preference for spinning off the unit instead.

UK's MHRA approved J&J's oral psoriasis pill Icotyde for ages 12+ weighing 40kg+. Approval based on 4 trials with 2,500 participants, showing better results than placebo. J&J expects $5bn peak sales across indications, competing with Sotyktu and Skyrizi.