Boehringer Enters Mental Health Collaboration

Boehringer Ingelheim and Arena Pharmaceuticals will conduct joint research to identify drug candidates targeting an undisclosed G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which belongs to the group of orphan CNS receptors. An “orphan receptor” is structurally related to a family of proteins that are known to act as functional cell-surface receptors but whose ligand has not yet been identified.

Arena will provide Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive rights to its internally discovered, novel compounds and intellectual property for an orphan CNS receptor. The companies will jointly conduct research to identify additional drug candidates that are suitable for continued research and development as therapeutic compounds for various disease indications. The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize products resulting from the collaboration.

“This agreement reflects our new corporate focus to enter into collaboration opportunities at various stages of development,” said Harry Hixson, Arena’s interim chief executive officer. “Collaborations are an essential part of our drug discovery and development efforts, so we are pleased to be part of this shared goal to identify novel drugs targeting an orphan CNS receptor with Boehringer Ingelheim, who possesses demonstrated capabilities in research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical products.”

“Together with our research partners in neuroscience, we are targeting brain circuits underlying major untreated symptom domains in our CNS focus areas of Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression. We are delighted to enter into this new collaboration with Arena, who have recognized expertise in orphan CNS GPCR drug discovery and development,” said Clive Wood, corporate senior vice president and head of discovery research, Boehringer Ingelheim. “We believe that this alliance with Arena will allow us to deliver innovative, new medicines for the treatment of patients with psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and contribute to our vision of helping the millions of people with mental illness, to live fuller, more independent lives, for longer.”

The new partnership combines Arena’s expertise in GPCR focused drug discovery and development with Boehringer Ingelheim’s unique approach to CNS research and development and its proven capabilities in bringing novel medications of high therapeutic value to the market in areas of high unmet medical need.

Arena is eligible to receive payments up to $262 million in success milestones in case of full commercial success of multiple drug products, including an upfront payment and research funding.