Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Bank of America Global Healthcare Conference 2026 summary

R&D and pipeline strategy

• Focused on oncology, immunology, and neuroscience as foundational therapeutic areas, with a balanced approach between internal discovery and external business development and M&A, currently about 60% of the development portfolio is internally derived.

• Recent acquisition of Halda brought a phase III-ready prostate cancer asset and a novel RIPTAC chemistry platform, expanding opportunities in oncology and other areas.

• Combination therapies and platform technologies are being pursued both internally and through external partnerships, with flexibility to source assets as needed.

Regulatory environment and FDA interactions

• Productive and collaborative interactions with the FDA, with ongoing efforts to streamline clinical development and approval processes in the U.S.

• The FDA is rethinking IND requirements and approval timelines, and is open to industry input via white papers.

• Recent leadership changes at the FDA are seen as an opportunity for a reset, with expectations for improved predictability and process stability.

Immunology and ICOTYDE developments

• ICOTYDE, an oral IL-23 receptor-targeting therapy, was recently approved for psoriasis, showing biologic-like efficacy and a clean safety profile with no lab monitoring or TB testing required.

• The drug is expected to expand the market by offering a convenient oral alternative to injectables, with strong phase III data and potential for use in IBD pending further studies.

• Combination strategies in IBD include co-formulated TNF and IL-23 inhibitors, with phase III trials planned and a focus on tailoring therapies to patient needs.