US-based healthcare company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has approached Swiss drug manufacturer Actelion Pharmaceuticals regarding a possible transaction.

J&J said in a statement that the preliminary discussions with Actelion may or may not result in any transaction.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The company declined to make comments on this potential transaction unless / until a formal agreement has been reached between the two companies.

The acquisition of Actelion is expected to boost J&J's drug pipeline, diversify its prospects and allow it to expand its pharmaceutical lineup.

Actelion is working with an adviser to explore options, and the deliberations are still in the initial stages.

"The acquisition of Actelion is expected to boost J&J's drug pipeline, diversify its prospects and allow it to expand its pharmaceutical lineup."

Sources with knowledge of the matter said that the company is also planning to attract other suitors, such as Novartis and Sanofi.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Reuters quoted J&J chief executive Alex Gorsky as saying earlier this year that the company was looking for deals to expand its main consumer, medical device, as well as pharmaceuticals segments.

Actelion’s portfolio of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments covers the spectrum of disease, from WHO Functional Class (FC) II through to FC IV, with oral, inhaled and intravenous medications.

The company offers treatments approved by health authorities for various specialist diseases, including Type 1 Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick type C disease, digital ulcers in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, and mycosis fungoides-type, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving pharmaceutical advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now