Johnson & Johnson Completes Intra-Cellular Therapies Acquisition to Strengthen Neuroscience Leadership
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has officially completed its acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc., further strengthening its position in the neuroscience sector. Intra-Cellular Therapies will now function as a business unit under Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. The acquisition enhances Johnson & Johnson’s already robust portfolio, particularly in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
“We are committed to transforming care for the millions of people worldwide living with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “We are excited to welcome the talented Intra-Cellular Therapies team to our company and look forward to working together to achieve our goal of becoming the number one neuroscience company globally.”
As part of the acquisition, Johnson & Johnson gains access to Intra-Cellular Therapies’ key asset, CAPLYTA® (lumateperone), a once-daily oral medication approved for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Additionally, CAPLYTA® is the first FDA-approved treatment for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder, both as a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. In early 2025, Intra-Cellular Therapies announced the FDA’s acceptance of its supplemental new drug application for CAPLYTA® as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This acquisition also includes ITI-1284, a promising Phase 2 compound currently being studied for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and Alzheimer’s disease-related psychosis and agitation, further complementing Johnson & Johnson’s focus on neuroscience.
“By investing in innovation, particularly in neuroscience, we are driving growth both in the near and long term,” said Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson. “This acquisition will be a catalyst for continued growth and provides a significant opportunity to transform the treatment landscape for some of today’s most debilitating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.”
The financial impact of the transaction is expected to accelerate Johnson & Johnson’s 2025 sales growth by approximately 0.8%, contributing around $0.7 billion in incremental sales. Although the acquisition is expected to dilute the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) by approximately $0.25 in 2025, this represents an improvement from previous estimates of $0.30 to $0.35. The expected earnings dilution should decrease to approximately $0.21 per share by 2026, as operational gains offset financing costs. These figures will be integrated into Johnson & Johnson’s full-year financial outlook, which will be detailed in their first-quarter 2025 report on April 15.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Intra-Cellular Therapies’ common stock has ceased trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
CAPLYTA® Overview:
CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder (bipolar depression). It is FDA-approved as both a monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate.
Important Safety Information:
- Boxed Warnings: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic drugs. CAPLYTA® is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adults. Close monitoring is required.
- Contraindications: CAPLYTA® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lumateperone or any of its components.
- Warnings and Precautions:
- Cerebrovascular adverse reactions, such as strokes, may occur in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal reaction, may develop.
- Tardive dyskinesia (TD), a syndrome of uncontrolled movements, may occur and may not resolve even after discontinuation.
- Metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetes, and weight gain, can occur.
- Blood count abnormalities such as leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported.
- Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting upon standing) can occur.
- Seizures, cognitive and motor impairments, and body temperature regulation issues may also arise.
- Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials included somnolence, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth.
CAPLYTA® is available in 10.5 mg, 21 mg, and 42 mg capsules.
With this acquisition, Johnson & Johnson solidifies its leadership in the neuroscience space, poised to offer cutting-edge therapies for patients suffering from severe neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. The addition of CAPLYTA® and Intra-Cellular Therapies’ promising pipeline will help further the company’s goal of improving treatment options and outcomes for people with unmet medical needs worldwide.
