Smith & Nephew was in discussions to merge with J&J unit, talks collapsed - FT

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.

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.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced European Commission approval for its TECVAYLI (teclistamab) monotherapy to treat adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The approval, based on Phase 3 results, shows teclistamab reduces risk of disease progression or death by 71% and risk of death by 40%. The EC also approved an indication extension for teclistamab monotherapy as a second-line treatment option. JNJ shares were trading 0.74% lower in pre-market activity.