Boehringer Enhances Immuno-oncology with $1.3B Nerio Acquisition

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Nerio Therapeutics for a potential $1.3 billion, aiming to enhance its immuno-oncology portfolio with Nerio’s preclinical checkpoint inhibitors. This acquisition marks Boehringer’s seventh major deal this year and its third involving cancer therapies.

Nerio Therapeutics has garnered attention for its innovative pipeline of small molecule inhibitors targeting protein tyrosine phosphatases N1 (PTPN1) and N2 (PTPN2). These inhibitors function similarly to PD-(L)1 inhibitors, which are highly effective in cancer treatment. Nerio's candidates are designed to activate the immune system to better combat cancer cells.

Boehringer Ingelheim has highlighted that existing checkpoint inhibitors do not offer therapeutic benefits to all patients. The company intends to integrate Nerio’s programs into its immuno-oncology portfolio to expand the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapies to a broader patient base. The small molecule inhibitors will be tested as standalone treatments and in combination with Boehringer’s experimental cancer therapies.

This acquisition follows two other significant immuno-oncology agreements by Boehringer this year. In January, the company collaborated with 3T to identify antigens for next-generation immunotherapies. In May, Boehringer returned to its long-time partner, OSE Immunotherapeutics, to acquire a preclinical asset targeting both PD-1 and cytokines.