New York, Jan 28, 2026, 14:13 EST — Regular session
- JNJ shares climbed following FDA approval of a new frontline indication for Darzalex Faspro in multiple myeloma.
- This approval marks another label expansion for one of Johnson & Johnson’s top cancer brands.
- Investors are watching U.S. drug-pricing policy closely as Medicare announced new medicines set for future negotiations.
Johnson & Johnson shares climbed Wednesday following U.S. regulators’ green light for a new combination use of its blood-cancer drug, Darzalex Faspro, expanding the treatment’s approved indications.
Timing is crucial for investors as major drugmakers search for lasting growth amid Washington’s expanding efforts to slash prescription costs. While label expansions might only shift the needle slightly, they often hint at sustained strength for older drugs in competitive therapy markets.
It comes as traders digest the latest round of Medicare price talks, a process that’s been weighing on sector sentiment despite the fact that any direct hit to earnings still seems far off.
Johnson & Johnson gained $2.62, or roughly 1.2%, closing in at $227.06 in afternoon trading. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund slipped about 1%, with Pfizer and AbbVie dropping between 2% and 3%.
The FDA on Tuesday approved Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) combined with the standard “VRd” regimen—bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone—for adults newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who can’t undergo an autologous stem cell transplant, which uses a patient’s own stem cells. The agency cited the CEPHEUS trial, which showed higher rates of “MRD negativity,” indicating less cancer post-treatment, and a reduced risk of disease progression or death, with a hazard ratio of 0.60. 1
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s U.S. hematology head, June Lanoue, said in a statement, “This approval marks the twelfth indication for DARZALEX FASPRO overall.” 2
On Tuesday, the U.S. government unveiled 15 drugs slated for Medicare price negotiations in 2028. The list includes Gilead’s HIV medication Biktarvy and Pfizer’s arthritis drug Xeljanz. Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets, described the potential impact as “manageable,” pointing out that several of these drugs will lose exclusivity in the next few years. 3
A Form 144 filing dated Jan. 26 revealed a planned sale of Johnson & Johnson shares connected to CEO Joaquin Duato’s spouse, Almudena Becher. Form 144 serves as a notification for potential sales of restricted or control securities as per SEC regulations. 4
Risks swing both ways. What starts as a drawn-out drug-pricing debate can quickly turn into immediate headline news. Investors remain wary of uncertainty around upcoming competition for crucial medicines and the threat of costly lawsuits.
Johnson & Johnson announced its board has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.30 per share, set to go ex-dividend on Feb. 24. 5
Johnson & Johnson will report first-quarter results on April 14, marking the next major event for investors. 6
