Re-Vana Therapeutics, a spin-out from Queen’s University, has entered a partnership and licence agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim for the development of ophthalmic therapies.
The partnership focuses on developing extended-release therapies for various eye diseases.
Boehringer Ingelheim has a diverse pipeline in eye care, which features four assets currently in Phase II development.
Treating ophthalmic diseases frequently necessitates regular injections directly into the eye, a process that can be quite burdensome for patients.
To address this challenge, Re-Vana’s drug delivery technology, initially developed at Queen’s, is designed to release treatments gradually over six to 12 months. This approach will reduce the frequency of injections required for conditions such as macular degeneration.
As part of the collaboration, Boehringer Ingelheim will undertake up to three projects annually across various therapeutic modalities.
The two companies will work together to manage Re-Vana's feasibility along with development efforts for the extended-release programmes.
However, Boehringer Ingelheim will take full responsibility for the products’ development, approval from regulatory authorities, and worldwide commercialisation.
Boehringer Ingelheim's mental health, eye health and emerging areas global head Nedim Pipic said: “We’re looking forward to teaming up with Re-Vana to push the boundaries of what’s possible in eye health.
“Together, we want to tackle the limits of today’s treatments – aiming to help people keep their sight, with fewer injections. This partnership is a bold step forward in our mission to protect vision and ease the burden on patients.”
The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive rights to target development and includes both upfront and milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approval, and commercial success for Re-Vana.
The total potential value of the deal exceeds $1bn for the first three targets, besides royalty payments based on net sales.
During this month, LEO Pharma acquired the rights to Boehringer Ingelheim’s psoriasis drug, Spevigo (spesolimab), for €90m ($105m).
