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]

Group 1 - Johnson & Johnson is in discussions to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, indicating a potential strategic move in the biopharmaceutical sector [1]

The two companies are already codeveloping a treatment for ulcerative colitis. ...

Company Highlights - Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (CDTX) reached a 52-week high of $87.19 as it advances its development plan for CD388, a non-vaccine preventive treatment for seasonal influenza, with enrollment in a Phase 3 study expected to start by September 2025 targeting 6,000 participants [1] - Maze Therapeutics Inc. (MAZE) saw its stock rise to a 52-week high of $27.09 following positive Phase 1 clinical results for MZE782, an oral therapy for Phenylketonuria and chronic kidney disease, with plans to enter Phase 2 studies in 2026 [3][4] - Medpace Holdings Inc. (MEDP) is set to report Q3 2025 financial results on October 22, 2025, and has raised its full-year guidance twice, indicating strong operational momentum, with the stock hitting a 52-week high of $506.55 [5][6] - Monopar Therapeutics Inc. (MNPR) rebounded from potential Nasdaq delisting to a 52-week high of $73.75, planning to seek approval for ALXN1840 for Wilson disease in early 2026, supported by long-term clinical data [7][8] - Prenetics Global Limited (PRE) projects 2025 revenue between $85 million and $100 million, a significant increase from $30.6 million in 2024, with its new wellness brand IM8 Health on track for $100 million in annual recurring revenue [9][10] - Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. (PTGX) is nearing a major milestone with Icotrokinra for psoriasis, having submitted a regulatory application to the FDA and EMA in July 2025, with the stock reaching a 52-week high of $66.70 [11][12] - uniQure N.V. (QURE) announced positive results from its Phase I/II study of AMT-130 for Huntington's disease, planning to submit a Biologics License Application in Q1 2026, with the stock soaring over 200% to a 52-week high of $51.21 [13][14] - Rezolute Inc. (RZLT) surged to a 52-week high of $9.02 ahead of topline results from its pivotal Phase III trial for hypoglycemia treatment, expected in December [15][16] - United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR) reached a 52-week high of $442.01 as anticipation builds for data from the TETON-2 study of nebulized Tyvaso in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with positive results reported earlier [17][18]

Core Thesis - Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (PTGX) presents a compelling investment opportunity due to strong clinical progress and underappreciated fundamentals, with a market cap of $3.6 billion and $615 million in net cash as of June 2025 [2][4] Clinical Assets - PTGX's most valuable asset, Icotrokinra (Ico), is an oral IL-23R peptide antagonist partnered with JNJ, nearing FDA approval with robust Phase 2/3 data for multiple indications including psoriasis and Crohn's disease [2][3] - Ico's efficacy rivals or potentially surpasses injectable treatments like Skyrizi and Tremfya, positioning PTGX to capture significant market share in a $25 billion IL-23 class [3] Financial Projections - PTGX is projected to earn $400–$900 million in annual royalties from Ico, with additional upside from sales milestones and market expansion, leading to a plausible base-case DCF value of $3–4 billion [3][5] - Rusfertide, another asset partnered with Takeda, targets polycythemia vera and is expected to generate $100–$200 million in annual cash flow, along with a $400 million opt-out payment [3][4] Strategic Positioning - PTGX's platform includes oral IL-17, oral hepcidin, and obesity drug candidates, providing high optionality and potential for significant future upside [4] - The company has a strong balance sheet with minimal burn relative to upcoming catalysts, and management incentives are aligned with shareholder value [4] Market Catalysts - Multiple catalysts exist, including Ico approval and Rusfertide commercialization decisions, which the market has yet to fully price in [4][5] - The potential for strategic transactions, such as royalty sales or platform acquisitions, could further unlock value for PTGX [5]

Group 1 - B. Riley Securities analyst Mayank Mamtani initiated coverage on Theravance Biopharma, Inc. (TBPH) with a Buy rating and a price target of $28, while shares closed at $13.70 [3] - Leerink Partners analyst Faisal Khurshid initiated coverage on Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (PTGX) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $73, with shares closing at $59.68 [3] - Barclays analyst David Strauss initiated coverage on StandardAero, Inc. (SARO) with an Overweight rating and a price target of $32, while shares closed at $27.35 [3]