SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC and Janssen Research & Development today announced the launch of the World Without Disease QuickFire challenge. The competition is the largest and most ambitious QuickFire challenge to date, representing an ongoing commitment to support life science innovators and the development of integrated, cross-sector solutions to prevent, intercept and cure diseases. Johnson & Johnson Innovation will consider global applicants with solutions across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer sectors. The competition seeks to find entrepreneurs, researchers or startup companies who are advancing potentially game-changing, early stage innovations that have the potential to cross traditional boundaries of the pharmaceutical, device or consumer health sectors. The recipient will receive a research grant totaling up to USD 500,000 and entrance to a Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS (JLABS) community.

"We are passionate about finding and deploying comprehensive, integrated healthcare solutions that take into account the world in which we live today, which is why this challenge is focused on innovations that address disease along the entire spectrum of health—including prevention and interception," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Worldwide Chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson.

Added William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Janssen Research & Development, "Our aim is to stop disease in its tracks by identifying ways to not only treat, but prevent or intercept disease. We are inspired by the opportunity to work with innovators around the globe on this mission and to fully leverage our expertise to bring transformational treatments to patients."

One or more grants totaling up to USD 500,000 will be awarded to the person(s) or team(s) submitting the best solution that addresses a critical global health need. Solutions will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the following criteria:

• Address a particular cohort with a critical unmet medical need in Johnson & Johnson's strategic areas of interest, such as lung cancer and metabolic diseases.
• Integrates a novel approach that combines therapeutic, devices and/or consumer health solutions.
• Address part or all of the spectrum of prevention, interception and cure.
• Outline how the award would help them reach a critical milestone within the timeframe of a single year and provide a full "time-to-market" plan for their solution.

The solution may originate from anywhere in the world, and from one or more individuals, teams or companies; subject to certain eligibility requirements set out in the terms and conditions for the challenge. If more than one technology is selected, the award will be shared among recipients; all finalists are eligible for residency at JLABS. Award recipients will be announced in Q4 2016.

To apply to the challenge and review the applicable terms and conditions, please visit http://jlabs.jnjinnovation.com/quickfire-challenges. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2016. Past QuickFire Challenge recipients include Ab Initio Biotherapeutics, Alkahest, Driver BioEngineering, EpiBiome, Goleini, Cyteir Therapeutics, Riparian Pharmaceuticals and XTuit Pharmaceuticals.

JLABS supports entrepreneurs by helping them overcome common barriers to discovery and development, such as the large initial investment of time and money that is necessary to establish working labs and other business infrastructure. JLABS sites are located throughout North America in life science clusters, including the flagship location in San Diego, San Francisco, South San Francisco, Boston, Houston and Toronto. These facilities are currently home to more than 140 early stage companies advancing biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer and digital health programs.

About Johnson & Johnson Innovation
Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC focuses on accelerating all stages of innovation worldwide and forming collaborations between entrepreneurs and Johnson & Johnson's global healthcare businesses. Johnson & Johnson Innovation provides scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies with one-stop access to science and technology experts who can facilitate collaborations across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer companies of Johnson & Johnson. Under the Johnson & Johnson Innovation umbrella of businesses, we connect with innovators through our regional Innovation Centers, JLABS, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. and our Business Development teams to create customized deals and novel collaborations that speed development of innovations to solve unmet needs in patients. For more information, visit www.jnjinnovation.com or follow @JNJInnovation.

About Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS and www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal.

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