Johnson & Johnson agreed to acquire Halda Therapeutics for roughly $3.05 billion in cash to add Halda’s RIPTAC-based precision oncology portfolio, including a clinical-stage prostate cancer candidate HLD-0915. J&J described the deal as strategic vertical integration to access heterobifunctional small molecules that induce tumor-specific protein interactions and direct tumor cell killing. Halda’s early clinical activity — including PSA responses in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer — underpinned the valuation. J&J executives emphasized the broader pipeline of RIPTAC-derived candidates across solid tumors as the acquisition rationale. The transaction signals Big Pharma’s continued appetite for novel targeted modalities and fast-follow M&A to secure differentiated oncology mechanisms. Investors and competitors will assess whether Halda’s early efficacy and safety profile translate into sizable commercial opportunities that justify the price.