Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life have announced a worldwide licencing agreement for the development of CDR111, an antibody-based molecule targeting autoimmune conditions.
CDR111 is described as a trispecific M-gager, designed to engage T cells in order to selectively target and eliminate B cells. This approach aims to reset the immune system.
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Dysregulated B cells are reported to play a significant role in the progression of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and certain arthritis types.
As per the agreement terms, CDR-Life stands to receive up to SFr456m ($570m), including SFr38m in upfront and near-term payments.
The agreement also includes a provision for tiered royalties on any future sales of the therapy.
It expands on an existing alliance between the two companies, which previously focused on developing an investigational antibody fragment for preserving vision in people with geographic atrophy.
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By GlobalDataThat molecule, developed by Boehringer using CDR-Life-licenced technology, is presently under evaluation in the Phase II VERDANT trial.
Boehringer Ingelheim immunology and respiratory diseases global head and US innovation unit site head Carine Boustany said: “We are excited to expand upon our work with CDR-Life and apply their trispecific M-gager approach to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with high unmet need, further broadening our differentiated pipeline.
“We see strong potential for CDR111 to demonstrate a deep and durable immune reset that may deliver transformative options for patients living with serious autoimmune disease.”
CDR-Life specialises in T-cell engagers for solid tumours and autoimmune diseases. Its M-gager platform is designed to deliver T-cell engagers with high binding specificity against challenging targets.
In July 2025, Re-Vana Therapeutics, a spin-out from Queen’s University, entered a partnership and licence agreement with Boehringer to develop ophthalmic therapies.
