J & J invests $241 million to develop microbiome-based drug for inflammatory bowel diseases

WASHINGTON - Jan. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Janssen Biotech a division of Johnson & Johnson ( J & J) will pay $241 million for Vedanta Bioscience’s mix of bacteria from the Clostridia subspecies that could potentially treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Preclinical studies suggest that the bacterial product, VE-202, aids in replenishing or rejuvenating a type of immune cell called regulatory T-cells which suppresses inflammation. Janssen expects that a bacterial mix of this nature will boost functionality of T regulatory cells which may be effective enough to relieve individuals who suffer from IBD. Approximately 1.4 million individuals in the United States suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

"The human microbiome is a strategic area of research and development and we have formed a number of exciting biotech and academic collaborations in this promising scientific space," Sue Dillon, head of immunology research and development for J&J's Janssen unit, said in a statement.

Industry analysts predict the Crohn’s disease market will increase to $4.5 billion by 2020 and the ulcerative colitis market to $4.2 billion by 2023 in the United States, Japan and the five largest European markets.

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