Janssen Sets A Course To Intercept Type 1 Diabetes Together With JDRF

RARITAN, N.J., Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, announced today that it will invest in a novel scientific approach, called disease interception, to find ways to intercept type 1 diabetes (T1D) using new diagnostic and pre-disease intervention strategies.  If successful, this approach has the potential to transform the standard of care in T1D. 

This new approach to T1D is the first in a series of disease areas to be tackled as part of Janssen's newly announced Disease Interception Accelerator (DIA), an autonomous incubator-like group that seeks to identify the root causes of disease and enable the development of interventions that stop the progression to disease.  Janssen scientists will work to develop new diagnostic, therapeutic or combination approaches for T1D interception by understanding the role of potential triggers and initiating steps on the pathway to T1D.

"Disease interception seeks to address genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers in people at-risk of developing disease so that we may intervene earlier and prevent progression to disease," said Benjamin Wiegand, Ph.D., Head, Disease Interception Accelerator, Janssen Research & Development, LLC.  "With type 1 diabetes being the first area of focus, aligning with JDRF is a critically-important step forward to collaboratively advance research that is intensely focused on disease interception.  We're excited to build on the long-standing relationship between the JDRF and the Johnson & Johnson family of diabetes companies as we embark upon this journey." 

Janssen researchers will bring to bear the latest basic research insights together with the JDRF, the leading research and advocacy organization funding T1D research, to inform and accelerate targeted and science-based solutions for T1D.  In addition, with the JDRF's insights, Janssen will seek to enhance the underlying clinical research network for overall T1D, which is needed to accelerate basic research and mechanistic-based solutions.  With the focus on T1D, Janssen looks to build upon a more than 30-year commitment the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Solutions Companies maintain in serving the diabetes community. 

"We know type 1 diabetes begins before the clinical diagnosis of insulin dependence occurs and we believe there is a way to halt the progress of the disease before the loss of insulin-producing cells due to autoimmunity," said Joseph Hedrick, Ph.D., Venture Leader, Type 1 Diabetes, Disease Interception Accelerator, Janssen Research & Development, LLC.  "JDRF, with its scientific network and expertise in diabetes research, is a most appropriate, leading organization to align with for this exciting endeavor to intercept type 1 diabetes."

Janssen's pioneering disease interception approach will integrate innovative science, novel therapeutics, precision diagnostics, and new business models to nurture solutions that intercept disease.  As the DIA's first area of focus, T1D research will utilize the rapidly emerging science of immune diagnostics and precision intervention to provide the foundation to intercept other diseases that have immunological underpinnings.

In addition to efforts in T1D, the DIA plans to pursue other disease areas that demonstrate great scientific opportunity, concentrating on diseases with high unmet need, where Janssen has deep expertise and understanding of emerging science, and where there are broader cross-disease applications for scientific learnings going forward. 

About Janssen Research & Development, LLC
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.  Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people with serious diseases throughout the world.  Beyond its innovative medicines, Janssen is at the forefront of developing education and public policy initiatives to ensure patients and their families, caregivers, advocates and healthcare professionals have access to the latest treatment information, support services and quality care. 

Janssen Research & Development, LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.  Please visit www.janssen.com for more information. 

About Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Solutions Companies
The Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Solutions Companies are a collaboration of companies dedicated exclusively to diabetes including Lifescan, Inc., Animas Corporation, Calibra Medical, Inc. and the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, LLC.

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding research and product development. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges inherent in research and new product development; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; changes to laws and regulations, including domestic and foreign health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, including in Exhibit 99 thereto, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies or Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.)

SOURCE Janssen Research & Development, LLC