New Therapeutic Strategies Promoting Resolution of Inflammation

Johnson & Johnson Innovation is seeking therapeutic targets and/or therapeutic assets targeting pathways driving pro-resolution responses in innate immune cells. Specifically, the identification and assessment of therapeutic targets and pathways that drive pro-resolution responses in innate immune cells that can be used to treat autoimmune and/or chronic inflammatory diseases. 

Specific Processes of Interest

• Cessation of neutrophil tissue infiltration
• Counter-regulation of chemokines and cytokines 
• Induction of apoptosis in spent neutrophils while promoting efferocytosis by macrophages
• Transformation from inflammatory to resolving macrophage phenotype 
• The return of non-apoptotic immune cells to the vasculature or lymphatics

Diseases and Modalities of Interest

• Small molecule approaches are preferred, although all modalities will be considered 
• Inflammatory Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Scleroderma, as well as skin diseases such as Atopic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa are all within scope, although research in other relevant diseases will be considered

Developmental Stage

Opportunities at basic through to phase I clinical trials are within scope. Targets can be in preclinical stage or clinical stage with either genetic association or in vivo preclinical validation. 

Out of scope

• Asthma and Cancer are not of interest
• Opportunities with no validation data available

Incentives for Academics

Johnson & Johnson Innovation is seeking a partner/collaborator with unique expertise or assets in the field of pro-resolution. The ideal scenario would involve the potential for licensing or starting a collaboration to develop a target.