Kyowa Kirin and Boehringer Ingelheim Partner to Advance Potential First-in-Class Small Molecule Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders

Kyowa Kirin and Boehringer Ingelheim Partner to Advance Potential First-in-Class Small Molecule Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders

(IN BRIEF) Boehringer Ingelheim has licensed a pre-clinical small molecule program from Kyowa Kirin to develop a potential first-in-class therapy for autoimmune diseases, a major global health challenge affecting around 10% of the population. The deal grants Boehringer exclusive worldwide rights, while Kyowa Kirin could receive up to €640 million in milestone payments and royalties. The program complements Boehringer’s commitment to pioneering treatments targeting the root causes of inflammation. Executives from both companies highlighted the collaboration as a key step toward delivering innovative therapies to patients with unmet needs in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) INGELHEIM / TOKYO, 31-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Boehringer Ingelheim has entered into a licensing agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (TSE:4151) to develop a potential first-in-class small molecule therapy for autoimmune diseases, further strengthening Boehringer’s expanding portfolio of treatments aimed at addressing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Under the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim gains exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the program, while Kyowa Kirin is set to receive up to €640 million in payments, including upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with royalties on potential future sales.

Autoimmune diseases affect nearly one in ten individuals worldwide, representing a growing health and economic challenge. Despite recent advances, many patients continue to face limited treatment options and incomplete disease control. Boehringer Ingelheim, a recognized leader in autoimmune and inflammatory disease research, continues to invest in therapies that target the underlying causes of immune dysregulation rather than just managing symptoms.

“Our commitment to developing life-changing treatments for autoimmune diseases remains steadfast,” said Carine Boustany, U.S. Innovation Unit Site Head and Global Head of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases at Boehringer Ingelheim. “This partnership marks an important step in expanding our pipeline and bringing transformative therapies closer to patients.”

Takeyoshi Yamashita, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Kyowa Kirin, added: “This small molecule program was discovered through Kyowa Kirin’s deep expertise in disease biology and innovative technology. We believe Boehringer Ingelheim’s strong track record in inflammatory diseases will ensure efficient development and help deliver this potential breakthrough to patients in need.”

The collaboration underscores Boehringer Ingelheim’s strategic focus on advancing novel therapeutic modalities for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and highlights Kyowa Kirin’s continued contribution to scientific innovation through collaborative partnerships.

SOURCE: Boehringer Ingelheim