The Motley Fool·2025-10-10 23:07Core 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].