Johnson & Johnson research head aims to block, cure disease

Johnson & Johnson, the world’s biggest maker of health care products, wants to prevent people from getting sick — or at least stop diseases before they cause harm.

Its “World Without Disease” initiative and related projects aim to prevent or cure diseases such as lung and blood cancers and juvenile diabetes. They’re run by the New Brunswick, New Jersey, company’s head of external innovation, Dr. William Hait, who also oversees augmenting in-house research by licensing science and technology from other companies — or buying them.

Hait discussed this recently with The Associated Press. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.