J&J to Acquire Alios BioPharma

Johnson & Johnson has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Alios BioPharma, Inc., a clinical stage biopharma company focused on therapies for viral diseases, for approximately $1.75 billion in cash. Alios’ lead candidate AL-8176 is an orally administered antiviral therapy currently in Phase II development for the treatment of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 
“We are excited that this acquisition will enable us to explore treatment options for a number of viral infections, including RSV, the last of the major pediatric diseases with no available preventive therapy,” said William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., global head, R&D, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. “AL-8176 complements our existing early stage portfolio for RSV which aims to prevent and treat this disease, the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children under the age of five.”
 
“Alios BioPharma’s pipeline is closely aligned with our vision to continue to address important unmet medical needs through scientific innovation,” said Johan Van Hoof, M.D., global head, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen. “This acquisition will allow us to combine their innovative compounds with our vast experience in viral diseases to deliver novel medicines and treatment options for patients worldwide.”
 
The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the 4Q14.