Ingelheim, Germany and La Jolla, CA, USA, Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:00
Today marks a significant step for Boehringer Ingelheim's immuno-oncology pipeline as the company is adding an innovative preclinical program with the acquisition of Nerio Therapeutics Inc. (“Nerio”), which is invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), for a total of up to USD 1.3 billion. Boehringer Ingelheim aims to develop this program as a potential key centerpiece component for its immuno-oncology portfolio to achieve its aim of improving cancer patient outcomes.
Nerio's small molecules inhibit the protein tyrosine phosphatases N1 and N2 (PTPN1 and PTPN2), which act as immune checkpoints. Through this mechanism, PTPN1/2 inhibition can activate the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Immune checkpoint blockade with current checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the cancer treatment landscape. However, while this approach works for some patients, it does not provide a therapeutic benefit for all. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to changing this paradigm and extending the benefits of immuno-oncology to more cancer patients with a comprehensive portfolio of therapies based on immune checkpoint blockade to boost the immune system and direct it toward cancer cells. Nerio’s small molecule inhibitors will be an important addition to Boehringer Ingelheim’s portfolio with the potential to act as a single agent therapy and, importantly, in combination with many cancer therapies already being developed in-house.
“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.
Sanford Madigan, partner at Avalon BioVentures, L.P. and co-founder and CEO of Nerio Therapeutics, shares this excitement stating, “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.”
This acquisition is a bold step toward transforming cancer care. It further strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology pipeline of cancer cell-directed and immuno-oncology investigational therapies for smart combinations that may offer the greatest benefit for people living with cancer.
Dr. Han Dai, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of Viva Biotech and Head of Viva BioInnovator, stated, "Nerio has successfully leveraged the founding team's extensive R&D experience in targeting phosphatases to develop innovative and highly selective PTPN2/N1 phosphatase inhibitors for tumor immunotherapy. This achievement addresses the challenges of selectivity and druggability of phosphatase inhibitors. We are delighted to have invested in and supported Nerio's growth from proof of concept to preclinical research. The acquisition by Boehringer Ingelheim is a strong validation of our investment strategy and the comprehensive post-investment support we provide. With Boehringer Ingelheim's deep expertise in phosphatases and tumor immunotherapy, we anticipate accelerated development of Nerio's pipeline, ultimately delivering greater benefits to patients."
About Nerio Therapeutics
Nerio Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug discovery and development company focused on phosphatases, a notoriously difficult class of potentially high-value therapeutic protein targets. Nerio has developed novel, potent, and highly selective PTPN2/N1 inhibitors with excellent drug-like properties. Nerio’s first-in-class PTPN2/N1 inhibitors enhance immune function and sensitize tumors to pro-inflammatory signals, promoting robust anti-tumor activity. Nerio was founded by Avalon Ventures and had additional financial support from a syndicate including Bregua Corporation, Correlation Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments and Viva BioInnovator. Nerio was developed in the Avalon BioVentures accelerator, benefiting from their resident expertise in early-stage drug development and comprehensive company support.
