Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. have announced a global license and collaboration agreement to develop SIM0709, a pre-clinical TL1A/IL23p19 bispecific antibody for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
SIM0709, developed using Simcere’s proprietary multi-specific antibody platform, is designed to simultaneously target TL1A and interleukin-23 (IL-23), two key drivers of IBD pathogenesis. Preclinical studies have shown that the antibody exhibits superior synergistic efficacy, outperforming the combination of the corresponding monotherapies, highlighting its potential as a first-in-class therapy.
The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim global rights to the asset, excluding Greater China, while Simcere is eligible for upfront and milestone payments totaling up to EUR 1,058 million, in addition to royalties on sales outside Greater China.
IBD affects over three million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive intestinal inflammation, frequent hospitalizations, and the need for surgery, with current therapies often unable to fully prevent complications.
The collaboration aims to advance SIM0709 through global development, addressing the unmet medical needs of patients and potentially redefining treatment outcomes.
