Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Stock: Holds Steady After Positive Phase 2 DAHLIAS Study for Nipocalimab in Sjogren’s Disease

TLDR

• Johnson & Johnson announces positive Phase 2 DAHLIAS study results for nipocalimab.
• The trial met its primary endpoint, showing reduced disease activity in Sjogren’s patients.
• Improvements noted in dryness, fatigue, joint pain, and salivary flow.
• The study, published in The Lancet, supports nipocalimab’s potential as a breakthrough therapy.
• JNJ stock traded at $190.40, up slightly in after-hours trading.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) stock closed at $190.40, down 1.08% on Thursday, before ticking up 0.08% after hours to $190.55.

Johnson & Johnson, JNJ

The movement followed the company’s announcement of positive Phase 2 DAHLIAS study results for its investigational therapy, nipocalimab, aimed at treating Sjogren’s disease.

The study, published in The Lancet, revealed that nipocalimab significantly decreased disease activity and severity in patients with moderate-to-severe Sjogren’s disease (SjD). Conducted over 24 weeks, the trial met its primary endpoint, showing marked improvement in the ClinESSDAI score, a recognized disease activity index, compared with placebo.

Promising Efficacy Across Key Symptoms

Patients treated with nipocalimab reported notable relief from hallmark SjD symptoms, including dryness, fatigue, and joint pain. The drug also enhanced objective salivary flow, with over twice as many patients in the high-dose group (15 mg/kg) showing at least a 50% increase from baseline compared to placebo (33% vs. 16%).

Researchers also observed reduced levels of rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers, signaling the treatment’s ability to target underlying disease mechanisms. This could represent a major advancement for Sjogren’s, a chronic autoimmune disorder that currently lacks effective targeted therapies.

A Milestone for Nipocalimab’s Development

Johnson & Johnson’s immunology pipeline continues to gain traction with the nipocalimab program. The DAHLIAS trial outcomes reinforce its potential as a first-in-class FcRn antagonist for autoimmune conditions. The company emphasized that these findings build on prior evidence supporting nipocalimab’s safety and efficacy across multiple autoimmune diseases.

Industry analysts suggest the results could accelerate J&J’s regulatory and clinical plans, potentially advancing nipocalimab toward Phase 3 trials and eventual submission for approval.

Performance Overview: JNJ vs. S&P 500

As of October 24, 2025, Johnson & Johnson’s year-to-date return stands at 34.83%, far ahead of the S&P 500’s 15.47%. Its one-year return of 20.09% and five-year gain of 51.19% underscore consistent investor confidence in the healthcare giant.

Despite modest short-term volatility, JNJ stock remains a defensive play in the healthcare sector, supported by strong pharmaceutical performance and its expanding immunology research portfolio.

With its continued investment in innovative biologics and a steady financial track record, Johnson & Johnson appears well-positioned to translate these clinical advances into sustained long-term growth.

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