Johnson & Johnson announced a definitive agreement to acquire Novira Therapeutics, Inc., a
privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing
novel therapies for curative treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus
(HBV) infection. The acquisition includes Novira’s portfolio of novel
antivirals, including its lead candidate, NVR 3-778. Financial terms of
the transaction have not been disclosed.
NVR 3-778 is a small molecule, direct acting antiviral, for oral
administration in patients with HBV that inhibits the HBV core or capsid
protein. HBV core is a novel and promising drug target since it is
involved in multiple activities required for viral replication and
persistence.
The closing is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. The
transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015.
