Boehringer Ingelheim and Ribo Partner on RNA-based Liver Disease Therapeutics

On Jan. 3, 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that it has entered into a multi-target collaboration with Suzhou Ribo Life Science and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals (Ribo) under which they will develop new RNA-based treatments for nonalcoholic or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (NASH/MASH). The partnership combines Ribo’s experience in the discovery and clinical development of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics and Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise in the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases (CRM) market.

Under the agreement, Ribo will receive an upfront payment and is entitled to receive success-based milestones for clinical, regulatory, and commercial success as well as tiered royalties. The overall deal is estimated to exceed $2 billion.

Ribo’s RIBO-GalSTAR technology platform enables development of RNA interference therapeutics that target disease-causing genes specifically in hepatocytes. The technology does this by silencing the genes’ messenger RNAs (mRNAs). This approach has the potential to treat diseases by addressing previously inaccessible drug targets, according to a company press release.

“We look forward to working with the scientists from Ribo to develop new breakthrough medicines for patients with NASH,” said Søren Tullin, senior vice-president and global head of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim, in the press release. “This new partnership is part of our commitment to collaborate with peers worldwide to address the interconnected nature of CRM diseases. Our goal is to develop the next wave of innovative medicines that will lead to a holistic health gain for patients.”

“This collaboration represents a strong endorsement of the many years of investment and scientific discovery built into Ribo’s platform. We are very pleased about the opportunity to work with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop new solutions for people living with NASH,” said Zicai Liang, CEO, Ribo Life Sciences, in the release.

Source: Boehringer Ingelheim