Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Collaborate on IBD Treatment

Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited have announced a license and collaboration agreement to develop SIM0709, a pre-clinical TL1A/IL23p19 bispecific antibody for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The partnership aims to address the unmet medical needs of over three million IBD patients globally. Current treatments do not fully prevent or reverse complications associated with the disease.

SIM0709 is a long-acting bispecific antibody, targeting TL1A and IL-23, core pathways in IBD pathogenesis. Studies have shown its efficacy exceeds current monotherapies. Boehringer gains global rights, excluding greater China, while Simcere may receive up to EUR 1,058 million in payments. This deal is part of Simcere's broader strategy in autoimmune treatments, marking their second out-licensing in this field.