Two for TRP inhibitors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & INGELHEIM, Germany—Hydra Biosciences Inc., which specializes in the field of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel modulation, has announced a worldwide research collaboration and license agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim under which the companies will work together for the identification of small-molecule TRP inhibitors. The initial focus will be on the treatment of renal diseases and disorders.

“This new collaboration agreement with Hydra Biosciences reflects the importance and value Boehringer Ingelheim places in developing strong research partnerships to discover new treatments for renal diseases and related disorders. We are very excited to be able to continue to work together with Hydra Biosciences,” Dr. Michel Pairet, senior corporate vice president of Research and Non-clinical Development at Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a press release, adding that “Renal diseases and disorders are of increasing importance to Boehringer Ingelheim as part of our CardioMetabolic Diseases Research area.”

Per the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences will collaborate to identify and advance potential TRP inhibitors, with Boehringer Ingelheim assuming responsibility for global development and commercialization of any inhibitors resulting from this collaboration. Hydra will receive an upfront payment of an undisclosed amount, as well as research funding, and is eligible to receive milestone payments and tiered royalty payments on any future product sales.

“This partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences provides an excellent opportunity to maximize the potential of novel targets that may offer meaningful improvements in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases and other related diseases and disorders. Boehringer Ingelheim’s long track record of research, development and commercialization success makes them the perfect partner for this program,” Russell Herndon, president and CEO of Hydra Biosciences.

This is the second collaboration between the two companies, and comes nearly one year after the first agreement was announced. In April 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences announced that they would be collaborating on the research and development of small-molecule TRPC4/5 inhibitors for the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders. Boehringer Ingelheim is responsible for global development and commercialization of any inhibitors produced through the collaboration, and will pay Hydra Biosciences an upfront payment and additional research funding. Hydra also stands to receive additional payments if certain milestones are met, as well as tiered royalty payments.

This is the second partnership announced for Boehringer Ingelheim so far in 2015. Back in early January, the company announced the establishment of an alliance with Sanofi to extend the latter's manufacturing capacity network for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Boehringer Ingelheim's cell culture operations will offer contract manufacturing capacities to support production of Sanofi's biologics pipeline. The agreement grants Sanofi access to Boehringer Ingelheim's capabilities related to the transfer and manufacture of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for global markets. Initial product transfers were slated to begin early this year.

SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim press release