Boehringer Ingelheim acquires Nerio Therapeutics, strengthening immune-oncology profile

James Spargo | July 30, 2024 | News story | Mergers and Acquisitions Boehringer Ingelheim, Nerio Therapeutics, Oncology, immuno-oncology, oncology 

Biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the acquisition of drug discovery and development company Nerio Therapeutics for up to $1.3bn, with the aim to develop Nerio’s novel immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Nerio’s small molecules inhibit the immune checkpoints protein tyrosine phosphatases N1 and N2 (PTPN1 and PTPN2), which activates the immune system to fight cancer cells and sensitises tumours to pro-inflammatory signals, prompting anti-tumour activity.

“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,” said Paola Casarosa, member of the board of managing directors at Boehringer Ingelheim, with responsibility for the Innovation Unit.

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Sanford Madigan, partner at Avalon BioVentures LP, and co-founder and CEO of Nerio Therapeutics, states: “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.” 

James Spargo

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