Johnson & Johnson Unit Buys Lung Disease Drug Maker RespiVert

The Associated Press reports that Johnson & Johnson''s Centocor Ortho Biotech unit has bought RespiVert Ltd., a company developing treatments for asthma and other lung diseases. Respivert is testing anti-inflammatory drugs that are intended to treat moderate to severe asthma, chronic lung diseases, and cystic fibrosis. The London-based company hopes to start three human clinical trials this year. Respivert was privately held, and Centocor did not disclose terms of the deal. Centocor said Respivert will keep its London headquarters and Garth Rapeport will remain as CEO.