Nextera, a Norwegian biotechnology company, has entered into a research agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson under which Nextera will, with use of its unique technology platform, undertake certain verification studies to determine the applicability of Nexteras technology platform within rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre in London facilitated the research agreement. Janssen will fund the research programme, and will have an option for an exclusive worldwide license to the Nextera technology platform within RA.

“This research agreement represents Nextera´s first collaboration with a global biopharmaceutical company. We believe that our unique technology platform can offer great benefits in the development of new and improved treatment modalities for patients with autoimmune diseases, cancer and chronic infections. Thus, we are very enthusiastic for the collaboration with Janssen, a world leader in innovative drug development, and the opportunity we now have within rheumatoid arthritis,” said Thomas Andersen, CEO of Nextera.