Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life Deepen Collaboration to Advance Autoimmune Drug Development

Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life Deepen Collaboration to Advance Autoimmune Drug Development

(IN BRIEF) Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life have expanded their partnership through a global licensing agreement to develop CDR111, a trispecific M-gager® antibody designed to reset the immune system by selectively targeting B cells. The collaboration builds upon their prior success in retinal health and the development of a molecule for geographic atrophy, currently in Boehringer’s VERDANT™ Phase 2 trial. The agreement could total up to USD 570 million, including USD 48 million in upfront and near-term payments, with tiered royalties on future sales. Leaders from both companies emphasized the strong potential of CDR111 to deliver lasting therapeutic benefits in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

(PRESS RELEASE) INGELHEIM / ZURICH, 5-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life, Inc. have strengthened their collaboration with a new global licensing agreement to advance CDR111, a trispecific M-gager® designed to selectively target and eliminate B cells to achieve immune system reset in autoimmune diseases. This milestone expands on the success of their previous work in retinal health, particularly the development of an investigational antibody fragment for geographic atrophy (GA), currently under evaluation in Boehringer’s VERDANT™ Phase 2 trial.

CDR111, an antibody-based T-cell engager, aims to address dysregulated B cells that contribute to the onset and persistence of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of arthritis. The innovative molecule holds promise for inducing a deep, durable depletion of pathogenic B cells—potentially reshaping treatment options across multiple indications.

Christian Leisner, PhD, CEO of CDR-Life, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing that the deal reinforces the company’s technology platform and its ability to generate biologics with strong therapeutic potential. He noted that their previous success with Boehringer in retinal disease underscores the versatility of their T-cell engager platform. Boehringer’s Carine Boustany, Global Head of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases, echoed the sentiment, expressing optimism about the potential of CDR111 to deliver transformative and lasting benefits for patients with autoimmune disorders.

Under the terms of the agreement, CDR-Life will receive up to CHF 456 million (around USD 570 million) in total payments, including CHF 38 million (approximately USD 48 million) in upfront and near-term payments, along with tiered royalties on potential future sales. The new deal marks an important step forward in the companies’ shared mission to develop innovative treatments for patients with severe autoimmune diseases.

SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim