Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX) Surges 30% on JNJ Acquisition Talks
Shares of Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX) soared over 30% following reports of ongoing acquisition talks with healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Trading was temporarily halted due to intense investor interest, despite no specific deal terms being disclosed.
The potential merger WOULD strengthen an existing partnership focused on Icotrokinra, a once-daily treatment for ulcerative colitis. Recent Phase IIb trial data showed 30.2% clinical remission rates, significantly outperforming the placebo group's 11.1%. The drug now advances to Phase III trials.