Second Genome in deal with Janssen on microbiome drug discovery in ulcerative colitis

Second Genome has entered into an agreement with Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of US health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) on microbiome drug discovery. With the goal of advancing novel drug targets, the agreement is focused on therapeutic mechanisms in ulcerative colitis mediated by the bacterial ecosystem living within the human gut, referred to as the microbiome. Second Genome will apply its microbiome modulation discovery platform to characterize the role of bacterial populations in ulcerative colitis.

Under the terms of the deal, Second Genome will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and support for research activities conducted in collaboration with Janssen. In addition, Second Genome is eligible to receive potential payments upon the achievement of certain research milestones. The research will be funded through the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center and the Immunology Therapeutic Area within Janssen Research & Development.

"Foundational microbiome research over the past several years has demonstrated that alterations to the microbiome are central to the development of inflammation and metabolic disorders," said Peter DiLaura, president and chief executive of Second Genome."The role of the microbiome in health and disease has arrived as a significant area of focus in pharmaceutical R&D. This collaboration with Janssen will identify mechanisms by which microbial populations in the gut have an impact in ulcerative colitis," he noted