Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired drug discovery and development company Nerio Therapeutics in a $1.3bn deal.
The acquisition bolsters Boehringer's immuno-oncology pipeline with Nerio's new PTPN2/N1 [protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1/2] inhibitors, which have shown promising anti-tumour activity.
Nerio is focused on targeting phosphatases, a challenging class of therapeutic protein targets.
The company has developed highly selective PTPN2/N1 inhibitors that exhibit drug-like properties.
The PTPN2/N1 inhibitors are designed to enhance immune function and sensitise tumours to pro-inflammatory signals. This mechanism promotes anti-tumour response, positioning the inhibitors as potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Founded by Avalon Ventures, Nerio also received financial backing from a syndicate that includes the Bregua Corporation, Alexandria Venture Investments, Correlation Ventures and Viva BioInnovator.
Through the Nerio acquisition, Boehringer will now integrate the former’s preclinical programme into its portfolio.
The development of Nerio's programme is a vital component of Boehringer’s immuno-oncology portfolio.
Boehringer Ingelheim managing directors board member Paola Casarosa said: “Securing the rights to Nerio Therapeutics' novel checkpoint inhibitors creates a broad panel of exciting new cancer treatment combination opportunities.
“This brings us a major step closer to our vision of transforming the lives of people living with cancer.”
While current checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised cancer treatment, they do not benefit all patients.
Boehringer plans to develop Nerio's inhibitors as standalone treatments and in combination with other cancer therapies being developed by the company.
Nerio Therapeutics co-founder and CEO Sanford Madigan said: “We believe Nerio’s small molecule PTPN1/N2 inhibitors have superior drug-like properties and provide a first-in-class opportunity.
“We are excited to expand Boehringer Ingelheim’s pipeline and commend their commitment to unlock the full potential of our compounds and their mechanistically unique approach to fighting cancer.”
In July 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE Immunotherapeutics announced the progression of a SIRPα inhibitor antibody, BI 770371, to clinical trial.
