U.S. drugmaker Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Yuhan(000100)'s combination therapy of the lung cancer drugs "Rybrevant·Leclaza (ingredient name Lazertinib)" is maintaining steep growth in the global market.
J&J, boosted by strong sales of immunology therapies and cancer drugs, posted second-quarter results that beat market expectations and raised its outlook for the year.
According to second-quarter results J&J released on the 15th (local time), global sales of the Rybrevant·Lazertinib (Leclaza) combination therapy were $289 million (about 420 billion won), up 60.8% from the same period a year earlier ($179 million).
Cumulative global sales of Rybrevant·Lazertinib in the first half reached $546 million (about 810 billion won), up 70.4% year over year.
Leclaza is a third-generation EGFR mutation non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy developed by Yuhan. In 2015, Yuhan introduced a candidate from the U.S. subsidiary Genosco of Oscotec(039200) and proceeded with development, then in 2018 out-licensed global development and commercialization rights, excluding Korea, to Janssen (now J&J Innovative Medicine).
Since winning approval in 2024 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in combination with Rybrevant, prescriptions have been expanding rapidly, according to assessments. This is a case of an anticancer drug developed by a domestic pharmaceutical company becoming part of a global big pharma's core lung cancer treatment portfolio.
J&J's second-quarter revenue this year was $25.31 billion (about 37.62 trillion won), up 6.6% from the same period a year earlier. That exceeded the market consensus ($25.005 billion). Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $2.90, up 4.7% year over year and above the market expectation ($2.85).
First-half (January–June cumulative) results also grew. J&J's first-half revenue was $49.55 billion (about 73.65 trillion won), up 4.6% from a year earlier. Adjusted net income was $13.3 billion (about 19.74 trillion won), and adjusted EPS was $5.56.
Second-quarter sales in the Innovative Medicine business unit were $16.38 billion (24.34 trillion won).
Second-quarter sales of Tremfya, a treatment for psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, increased 72.5% from a year earlier. It is seen as rapidly filling the gap left by Stelara, an autoimmune disease therapy whose sales are declining due to patent expirations.
During the same period, the blood cancer therapy Darzalex also generated $4.207 billion (about 6.24 trillion won) in sales, continuing to serve as a key growth engine for the company.
J&J cited Rybrevant·Lazertinib, along with Darzalex, Carvykti, and Tecvayli, as core product groups that drove growth in its Oncology business.
In contrast, medical device sales were $8.93 billion (about 13.26 trillion won), slightly below market expectations. Sales of Impella, a heart pump from Abiomed acquired in 2022, fell 2% year over year amid controversy over its use in certain high-risk coronary procedures.
J&J Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Joseph Wolk said, "Large-scale data supporting the clinical utility of Impella are scheduled to be released in the first half of next year," adding, "With 28 product groups generating more than $1 billion in annual sales, we do not rely on any single product."
J&J raised its full-year revenue outlook (midpoint) to $101.1 billion (about 150 trillion won) from $100.8 billion. It also lifted its adjusted EPS outlook to $11.68 from $11.55.