Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies Partner to Develop Potential Melanocortin Receptor for Retinal Diseases

Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies announced a global research collaboration and licensing agreement with the goal of developing melanocortin receptor agonists. The agonists offer a promising, differentiated mechanism that targets key drivers of retinal diseases, including DR, according to the companies. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Palatin will receive upfront, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to €280 million ($326 million), as well as tiered royalties on net sales.

“Given the high treatment burden associated with DR, the potential of a melanocortin receptor agonist is a strategic fit with our pipeline focusing on addressing the three main drivers of retinal disease: inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Importantly, this mechanistic approach may also be applicable in retinal diseases beyond DR where high unmet needs remain," said Remko Bakker, Head of Eye Health and Research Beyond Borders at Boehringer Ingelheim.

“This collaboration with Boehringer further validates the promise of our portfolio of melanocortin agonists and the possibility of unlocking tremendous clinical and commercial potential in retinal health,” said Carl Spana, Palatin’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Boehringer’s expertise in advancing innovative health care products, combined with its global commercial reach, make them the ideal strategic partner to accelerate this research program in DR and DME for the potential benefit of patients worldwide.”