Johnson & Johnson has agreed to acquire Novira Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The acquisition includes Novira's portfolio of antivirals, including its lead candidate, NVR 3-778. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

NVR 3-778 is a small molecule, direct acting antiviral, for oral administration in patients with HBV that inhibits the HBV core or capsid protein. HBV core is a promising drug target since it is involved in multiple activities required for viral replication and persistence.

The closing is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Source: Johnson & Johnson