People living with leukemia and lymphoma face complex diseases that have a profound impact on their lives and the lives of those who care for them. While treatment advances have improved prospects for many, significant unmet needs remain.
At Johnson & Johnson, we are advancing transformational science with a focus on developing innovative therapies that have the potential to improve outcomes, extend quality of life and provide cures for more patients.
Each year, approximately 145,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with AML.
Transformational innovation for patients living with leukemia and lymphoma
Our vision remains clear: deliver next-generation therapies aimed at improving outcomes and enabling people living with leukemia and lymphoma to live their life to the fullest.
By combining deep scientific expertise with innovative approaches to drug discovery and development, we are advancing next-generation medicines to help address unmet patient needs and refine the future of blood cancer care.
Our leukemia and lymphoma focus areas
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
AML is a fast-growing blood cancer and the most common acute leukemia in adults. As one of the major forms of leukemia, which accounted for an estimated 495,000 new cases globally in 2024, AML requires urgent treatment and remains a difficult disease to treat, particularly for patients with high-risk disease.i There remains a need for therapies that improve outcomes while addressing tolerability and helping patients maintain quality of life.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
MPNs are a group of rare blood cancers that cause the bone marrow to produce too many blood cells. These chronic diseases can significantly affect patients’ health and quality of life and, in some cases, may progress to acute myeloid leukemia. Current treatment options largely focus on relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications, while curative options remain very limited, with stem cell transplantation generally reserved for eligible patients.
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
DLBCL accounts for the largest proportion of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases.ii Its name reflects the diffuse, or spread-out pattern of abnormal B cells when viewed under a microscope. Although many patients may be cured with first-line treatment, those whose disease returns or does not respond continue to face unmet treatment needs.iii
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults in many parts of the world.iv In 2021, there were approximately 118,000 new cases of CLL worldwide. Although many patients respond well to initial treatment, relapse and treatment resistance remain significant challenges.
Advancing the future of leukemia and lymphoma care
Our dedication to patients is at the heart of every scientific discovery we pursue. By combining transformational science with a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of people living with leukemia and lymphoma, we are working to develop innovative therapies that improve outcomes and help patients live fuller lives.
Footnotes:
i Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2025. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2025. Available at: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.70090. Last accessed August 2026.
ii Lymphoma Action. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Available at: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/types-lymphoma-non-hodgkin-lymphoma/diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma. Last accessed August 2026.
iii Tilly H, Morschhauser F, et al. Current options and future perspectives in the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Therapeutic Advances in Hematology. 2022;13:20406207221103320. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9243592/. Last accessed August 2026.
iv Chen C, Wang L, Du S, Qiu Y, Liu Y, Teng Q. Global burden of chronic lymphocytic leukemia from 1990 to 2021. Cancer Control. 2025;32:10732748251397071. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12612519/. Last accessed August 2026.
