Janssen Divests Pain Assets to Depomed

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (JPI) has entered into a definitive agreement with Depomed to divest its U.S. rights to pain medications NUCYNTA (tapentadol), NUCYNTA ER (tapentadol) extended-release tablets and NUCYNTA (tapentadol) oral solution, for $1.05 billion. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in 2Q15. With this strategic decision, JPI aims to focus efforts and resources on targeted growth priorities.  
 
JPI currently licenses the commercialization rights to the NUCYNTA products from Grunenthal GmbH. JPI will retain license rights in Canada, Japan, and a number of other countries outside the U.S.