Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has reason to celebrate as the company recently announced positive results from its Phase 2 DAHLIAS study, focusing on nipocalimab, an investigational therapy for Sjogren’s disease. This groundbreaking trial, published in The Lancet, met its primary endpoint, highlighting significant reductions in disease activity among patients suffering from moderate-to-severe Sjogren’s disease (SjD).
The trial spanned 24 weeks and demonstrated marked improvements in the ClinESSDAI score, a key index of disease activity, showcasing promising efficacy compared to the placebo group. Following this announcement, JNJ shares closed at $190.40, down 1.08% during regular trading but managed a slight uptick of 0.08% in after-hours trading to $190.55.
Patients treated with nipocalimab reported notable alleviation of classical SjD symptoms, including dryness, fatigue, and joint pain. Further encouraging results were noted in salivary flow, with more than double the proportion of those on the high-dose regimen (15 mg/kg) achieving over a 50% increase from baseline compared to the placebo group (33% vs. 16%).
Additionally, researchers observed lower levels of rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers, suggesting that nipocalimab effectively targets the underlying disease mechanisms. This could signify a major breakthrough for Sjogren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune condition that has long been underserved by effective therapies.
Nipocalimab’s advancement through clinical trials underscores Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to its burgeoning immunology pipeline. The results from the DAHLIAS study reinforce nipocalimab’s potential as a first-in-class FcRn antagonist for autoimmune conditions. The company has emphasized that these findings build on previous evidence pointing to nipocalimab’s safety and efficacy across various autoimmune diseases.
Going forward, analysts suggest these encouraging results could expedite J&J’s regulatory and clinical plans, potentially paving the way for nipocalimab to enter Phase 3 trials and move toward approval.
On the performance front, as of October 24, 2025, Johnson & Johnson reported a year-to-date return of 34.83%, significantly outpacing the S&P 500’s 15.47%. With a one-year return of 20.09% and a five-year growth of 51.19%, investor confidence in the healthcare giant seems unwavering.
Despite some minor short-term fluctuations, JNJ maintains its reputation as a defensive investment within the healthcare sector, bolstered by solid pharmaceutical performance and a growing immunology research portfolio.
With ongoing investments in innovative biologics and a robust financial history, Johnson & Johnson is well-positioned to leverage these clinical advancements into sustained long-term growth.
