Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies, Inc. have announced a global research collaboration and licensing agreement to develop a novel treatment targeting retinal diseases. This partnership aims to advance first-in-class medicines that modulate the melanocortin receptor system, reinforcing Boehringer’s commitment to preserving and protecting vision.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), including diabetic macular edema (DME), affects one in three people with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Patients with DME often face significantly higher healthcare costs due to the need for frequent monitoring and specialized treatments.
Remko Bakker, Head of Eye Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasized the urgent need for innovative therapies to reduce the treatment burden associated with DR. He noted that melanocortin receptor agonists offer a promising approach by targeting key disease drivers like inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. This mechanism could also benefit other retinal diseases with unmet medical needs.
Carl Spana, President and CEO of Palatin Technologies, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to unlock significant clinical and commercial opportunities in retinal health. He praised Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise and global reach as critical to advancing the development program for DR and DME.
Under the agreement, Palatin will receive upfront payments along with development, regulatory, and commercial milestones totaling up to €280 million, plus tiered royalties on net sales. This partnership represents a significant step toward delivering innovative therapies for patients affected by vision-threatening retinal diseases worldwide.