Johnson & Johnson Ends Development of Investigational Therapy Imaavy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Due to Study Failure

Johnson & Johnson has discontinued the development of Imaavy in rheumatoid arthritis due to phase IIa study failure. The combination therapy with anti-TNFα did not show sufficient evidence of a significant added benefit. Imaavy remains a potential key driver of top-line growth, with peak sales expected to reach $5 billion. J&J is evaluating the drug in several immunology and neuroscience indications, including late-stage studies for CIDP, HDFN, wAIHA, and Sjogren's disease.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) has announced that it will discontinue the development of its combination drug, Imaavy, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The decision follows the failure of a phase IIa trial to demonstrate sufficient evidence of a significant added benefit over existing anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapy [1].

Imaavy, a potential key driver of top-line growth, was being studied in combination with anti-TNFα therapy. The mid-stage trial, which included difficult-to-treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, did not show a significant improvement in outcomes when compared to the anti-TNFα therapy alone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints [1].

Despite the setback, Imaavy remains under evaluation for several other indications, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), hemolytic anemia due to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (HDFN), wAIHA (warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia), and Sjogren's disease. The company is continuing to conduct late-stage studies for these conditions, which could potentially open up new revenue streams [1].

The discontinuation of Imaavy for rheumatoid arthritis is a strategic move by J&J, focusing its resources on more promising areas. The company's commitment to immunology and neuroscience indications underscores its long-term growth strategy. The peak sales for Imaavy, if successful in other indications, are expected to reach $5 billion [1].

References:

[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/jj-drops-development-combination-arthritis-drug-after-trial-setback-2025-08-28/