TITUSVILLE, NJ--Janssen has called in Edelman to oversee public relations for potential blockbuster oncology drug Ibrutinib.

The Holmes Report understands that Edelman secured the assignment, worth as much as $4m, following a competitive review earlier this year.

Recently granted 'breakthrough' status by the FDA, Ibrutinib is an oral oncology drug that is expected to become a billion-dollar blockbuster. Developed by Pharmacyclics, the closely-watched drug is now the subject of a worldwide collaboration and licensing deal with J&J subsidiary Janssen Biotech.

The therapy blocks a key enzyme involved in the growth of cancer and will be assessed by regulators later this year, following promising phase III clinical trials.

The brief is the latest in series of healthcare wins at Edelman, which have included major assignments from AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Edelman representatives declined to comment, while J&J did not respond to requst for comment as this story went live.