J&J Opens Boston Innovation Center

Johnson & Johnson has opened its J&J Innovation center in Boston, the third of four regional hubs being established to identify early-stage innovations and collaborations aimed at speeding drug development. The Boston Innovation Center provides scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies focused on early-stage opportunities with access to J&J experts, who can facilitate collaborations across its pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics and consumer companies.
 
“The East Coast’s significance as a hotbed for life sciences innovation grounded in collaboration is indisputable, and continues to grow,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., J&J chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman, Pharmaceuticals. “With the establishment of our Boston Innovation Center, we look forward to further fostering collaboration with some of the world’s leading scientists, renowned academic centers, and influential entrepreneurs to enable future innovations that will advance human health.” 
 
The Innovation Center’s first collaborations and new initiatives include a research alliance with Mount Sinai to advance the discovery of next generation therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a collaborationwith Rodin Therapeutics to advance novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and an investment in Vedanta Biosciences aimed at advancing a first-in-class preclinical candidate for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Additionally, J&J has established Janssen Labs in Cambridge, MA.
 
“We are thrilled to officially open the doors to the Boston Innovation Center today, deepening our long-held commitment to supporting this vibrant life science ecosystem,” said Robert Urban, Ph.D., head, Boston Innovation Center. “We look forward to serving as a single point of entry for innovators to efficiently and creatively explore relationships and investment opportunities across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, with the ultimate goal of bringing new innovations to improve health and patient care.”