Announcing the Transforming Oral Peptide Delivery QuickFire Challenge

July 22, 2026 - Today, Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of the Transforming Oral Peptide Delivery QuickFire Challenge . This global challenge invites innovators to submit their ideas for novel approaches with the potential to transform oral drug delivery for peptides.

Peptide-based therapeutics continue to show promise in the treatment of many diseases given their ability to target specific cells with high specificity and precision. Commonly administered through injection or infusion, these therapies allow for rapid, direct uptake into the bloodstream or tissues.¹

Recent advances in oral peptide delivery may offer potential alternative treatment options at higher patient convenience and potentially lower cost while meeting the needs and preferences of patients living with complex diseases. However, oral delivery approaches still face significant challenges, including limited permeability and harsh conditions within the gastrointestinal tract, which can contribute to the instability of peptides, resulting in lower absorption rates and reduced therapeutic efficacy.^2,3,4

Specific areas of focus for the challenge include:

• Formulation- and device-based delivery solutions
• Approaches targeting active uptake pathways in the GI tract

Special consideration will be given to submissions with proof-of-concept data and preclinical or asset-stage programs with in vivo validation.

The innovators with the most promising potential solutions aligned to this QuickFire Challenge will have the opportunity to showcase their science in a virtual pitch session with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine R&D experts in October 2026.^*

Select applicants may be considered for participation in the JLABS community, subject to a separate evaluation and applicable membership arrangements.

Select finalists may also be given the opportunity to collaborate with Johnson & Johnson in a feasibility study aimed at evaluating their technologies. Participation in any such opportunity would be entirely voluntary and subject to further evalution, due diligence, and separate agreement. Further details will be shared with the selected finalists.

Applications will be accepted until September 9, 2026: https://bit.ly/OralPeptideQFC

About Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson works across the innovative medicine and medical technology sectors to accelerate early-stage, transformational solutions by catalyzing the best ideas, wherever they are in the world. We do this by harnessing our deep scientific capabilities coupled with a wide range of tools, including customized deal structures, company creation, incubation and startup services, capital investments and other innovative business models that aim to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, scientists, and emerging companies. Our goal is to help life science and health technology innovations thrive through collaboration and partnership with the global ecosystem, so that together we can change the trajectory of human health. Meet our passionate team of science and technology experts and learn how to collaborate with us at www.jnjinnovation.com.