J&J Lung Cancer Strategy: Myeloma Lessons
J&J is aggressively pursuing lung cancer growth by adapting its accomplished multiple myeloma strategy, with Rybrevant, a bispecific antibody targeting EGFR mutations, at the forefront. Discover how the pharmaceutical giant is leveraging its expertise in blood cancer treatments to expand its lung cancer pipeline, aiming for blockbuster success. The company is exploring Rybrevant’s potential beyond lung cancer, examining its efficacy in head and neck and colorectal cancers. Moreover, J&J is developing a subcutaneous version of Rybrevant for quicker governance, expanding global availability.Learn about the combined approach of Rybrevant and lazertinib, designed to combat drug resistance and boost effectiveness.Explore the financial impact, with Rybrevant and lazcluze already generating significant revenue, and the company’s future plans.For more insights, News Directory 3 has the full story. Discover what’s next in J&J’s innovative approach to fighting cancer.
J&J aims for Lung Cancer Growth with Rybrevant Strategy
Johnson & Johnson is setting its sights on lung cancer, hoping to mirror its success in multiple myeloma. The pharmaceutical company plans to use its experience in blood cancer treatments as a blueprint for expanding its lung cancer pipeline, according to Joshua Bauml, vice president at J&J.
The company’s strategy hinges on Rybrevant, a lung cancer drug with blockbuster potential. Lung cancer is a primary focus for J&J.Bauml outlined the company’s approach to targeting specific mutations with Rybrevant.
Rybrevant is designed to combat resistance by blocking both EGFR and MET receptors on cancer cells. The FDA initially granted accelerated approval to Rybrevant in 2021 as a second-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with exon 20 insertion mutations to EGFR. In March 2024, it gained full approval as a first-line treatment.
Another J&J drug, lazertinib (Lazcluze), secured FDA approval last August as a first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.Lazertinib,an oral small molecule,complements Rybrevant by targeting EGFR from inside the cell,Bauml said.
Bauml explained that the combined approach of Rybrevant and lazertinib aims to prevent drug resistance. “The whole idea is this dual approach allows for even more activity,” he said.
Rybrevant’s design also incorporates an Fc region optimized to engage immune cells, potentially enhancing its effectiveness against tumors, according to Bauml. J&J is exploring other drug types, including small molecules and radioligand therapies, for lung cancer treatment.
J&J projects peak revenue of $5 billion for Rybrevant. In the first quarter of 2025, Rybrevant and Lazcluze generated $141 million in revenue, a critically importent increase from $47 million in the same period last year.
Growth opportunities for Rybrevant include a subcutaneous version, offering a quicker administration time. While the FDA initially rejected this version due to manufacturing concerns, it is available in Europe, and J&J remains committed to bringing it to U.S. patients.
Rybrevant’s potential extends beyond lung cancer,with studies exploring its use in head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer. Early data in metastatic colorectal cancer showed a 49% overall response rate, with some patients becoming eligible for curative surgery.
“So the impact of Rybrevant, it’s really just starting,” bauml said.
What’s next
Johnson & Johnson plans to continue investigating Rybrevant’s efficacy in various cancers and work toward bringing the subcutaneous version to the U.S. market.