Group 1 - Krystal Biotech, Inc. specializes in gene therapy for rare diseases and shows the highest growth potential among its peers with a target price difference of 38.70% [1][4] - The current stock price of Krystal Biotech is $181.47, with a target price of $251.70, indicating a more optimistic outlook from analysts [1] - Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. focuses on developing antibody-drug conjugates for cancer treatment but has a negative target price difference, suggesting a less favorable outlook compared to Krystal Biotech [2][4] Group 2 - Overall, Krystal Biotech stands out in the biotechnology sector due to its promising position and significant target price difference [3]

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is in acquisition talks with Protagonist Therapeutics (NASDAQ: PTGX), which has led to a significant increase in Protagonist's stock price, closing at $8.7, a rise of approximately 30% with a market capitalization of $540 million [2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The details of the potential acquisition are not finalized, and the terms under discussion may not be guaranteed [5]. - The expected deal would significantly exceed Protagonist's market value, including a premium, and would enhance Johnson & Johnson's portfolio in immunology and oncology through two experimental drugs [5]. Group 2: Collaboration and Product Development - Johnson & Johnson and Protagonist are collaborating on the oral IL-23 inhibitor, Icotrokinra, which is aimed at treating immune diseases such as plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, with Johnson & Johnson holding exclusive commercialization rights [6][8]. - Johnson & Johnson has already submitted a new drug application to the FDA for Icotrokinra to treat plaque psoriasis, following the loss of patent exclusivity for its product Stelara [8]. Group 3: Financial Aspects and Milestones - The collaboration includes potential financial milestones, with an upfront payment and milestone achievements totaling $337.5 million, alongside royalties of 6% to 10% on net sales exceeding $4 billion [6]. - Upcoming potential milestones through 2028 include various payments for marketing approvals and NDA filing acceptances, totaling an estimated $155 million [6]. Group 4: Market Performance - Protagonist's stock has more than doubled this year, with a notable 45% increase in March due to encouraging results from late-stage trials of Rusfertide, a treatment for polycythemia vera [12].

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson is in talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, which could strengthen its product line amid competition from low-cost generics for its key immunotherapy drug Stelara [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Johnson & Johnson is currently collaborating with Protagonist Therapeutics on the development of immunology drugs [1] - Protagonist is also working with Takeda Pharmaceutical on a drug called Rusfertide, aimed at treating rare blood cancers [1] Group 2: Market Implications - The potential acquisition would help Johnson & Johnson consolidate its product offerings as it faces competition from generic versions of Stelara [1]

Core Viewpoint - Protagonist Therapeutics is experiencing significant takeover speculation, particularly regarding a potential acquisition by Johnson & Johnson, which has led to a notable increase in its stock price despite a generally down market [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Speculation - The Wall Street Journal reported that Johnson & Johnson is in discussions to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, although details of the negotiations remain scarce [2]. - Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson are already collaborating on a drug aimed at treating immune disorders, which positions Johnson & Johnson as a familiar partner in the biotech's operations [3]. Group 2: Stock Performance - Protagonist's share price surged by 29.8% in a single day, contributing to a year-to-date increase of over 70% due to positive clinical trial results for its pipeline drugs [1][4]. - The significant rise in Protagonist's stock price occurred on a day when the S&P 500 index fell by almost 3%, highlighting the strength of the biotech's market performance amidst broader market declines [1]. Group 3: Company Responses - Neither Protagonist nor Johnson & Johnson has commented on the acquisition speculation, which is typical in the early stages of such discussions [5].

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson is in discussions to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, with the deal terms yet to be finalized and no guarantee of completion [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Johnson & Johnson and Protagonist Therapeutics currently collaborate on developing an oral therapy for plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis [2]. - Johnson & Johnson holds exclusive commercialization rights for the treatment and owns approximately 4% of Protagonist's shares [3]. - The acquisition would enhance Johnson & Johnson's immunology business and provide access to rusfertide, an experimental therapy co-developed with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. [3][4]. Group 2: Market Performance - Protagonist's stock has increased by around 132% year-to-date, with a more than 100% surge this year due to positive clinical updates [1][5]. - Since its IPO in 2016, Protagonist's stock has appreciated over 450%, indicating strong investor confidence in its therapeutic pipeline [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The potential acquisition aligns with Johnson & Johnson's strategy to counteract competition for its leading immunology drug, Stelara, through new product launches and targeted acquisitions [6]. - Acquiring Protagonist would support Johnson & Johnson's long-term growth in immunology and oncology amidst a competitive landscape [6].

Exclusive: Johnson & Johnson is in talks to buy Protagonist Therapeutics in a deal that would solidify the companies’ existing partnership in creating a treatment for ulcerative colitis https://t.co/BNb7Po7tF7 ...

Welcome back to Money Movers. Take a look at the XBI biotech ETF on pace for its best year since 2020. And news breaking earlier from the Wall Street Journal that Johnson and Johnson is looking to buy Protagonist Therapeutics.Our ne next guest is a top shareholder in Protagonist and a longtime investor in the biotech space. Joining us now, RTW Investments managing partner and CIO, Dr. . Rod Wong.Dr. . Thank you for being here today. Um, so there's been a a string of acquisitions in this space in in recent w ...

J&J is in talks to purchase Protagonist Therapeutics, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. https://t.co/ykJVKinOA4 ...

Group 1: Global Market Performance - U.S. equity markets showed slight gains on October 10, 2025, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.3%, and both the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 rising 0.2% [2] - In contrast, Asian markets faced significant declines, with the NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index dropping 2.6%, the largest single-day decline since August 27th, and the Hong Kong Hang Seng index falling 1.8% [3] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson and Protagonist Therapeutics - Johnson & Johnson is reportedly in talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, leading to a 10% surge in Protagonist's shares before a temporary halt due to volatility [4] - The two companies have an existing partnership focused on co-developing a treatment for ulcerative colitis, and the acquisition could enhance J&J's portfolio with experimental therapies like rusfertide [4] Group 3: Geopolitical Developments - Former President Trump expressed concerns over China's actions regarding rare earth export controls, which have expanded to include five additional elements, particularly affecting the semiconductor industry [5] - Switzerland's Foreign Minister expressed optimism for a free trade agreement with China by early 2026, while the EU is planning a new trade proposal with the U.S. amid perceived maximalist demands from Washington [6] Group 4: Middle East Ceasefire and European Politics - Leaders from Britain, France, and Germany welcomed a Middle East ceasefire agreement and the planned release of hostages, with Trump receiving thanks for his diplomatic efforts [7][8] - French political dynamics remain turbulent, particularly regarding pension reform, with ongoing difficulties in forming a consensus government [9]

Core Viewpoint - Protagonist Therapeutics (NASDAQ:PTGX) experienced a ~30% increase in trading after reports emerged that Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is in discussions to acquire the company [2] Company Summary - Protagonist Therapeutics is a biotech firm that specializes in peptide-based therapeutics [2] - The potential acquisition by Johnson & Johnson indicates strategic interest in Protagonist's technology and product pipeline [2] Industry Context - The news reflects ongoing consolidation trends in the biotech industry, where larger firms seek to enhance their portfolios through acquisitions [2] - The interest from a major player like Johnson & Johnson highlights the value and potential of peptide-based therapeutics in the current market [2]