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Boehringer Ingelheim Acquires Nerio Therapeutics

Aims to develop Nerio's innovative preclinical program as a potential key centerpiece component for its immuno-oncology portfolio.

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Nerio Therapeutics Inc. for a total of up to $1.3 billion. It aims to develop Nerio’s innovative preclinical program as a potential key centerpiece component for its immuno-oncology portfolio.

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.

Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to 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 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, stated, “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 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.

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