Boehringer Ingelheim Achieves Key Milestones in Early 2024

Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-based biopharmaceutical company, has announced significant advancements in its pipeline across key therapeutic areas, achieving major milestones in the first half of the year. According to Hubertus von Baumbach, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors, the company is increasing its investments in R&D beyond previously announced plans. This decision is driven by promising data read-outs in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and anticipated results in oncology, mental health, and pulmonary fibrosis, which have accelerated their readiness for launching these late-stage assets.

The company has advanced its pipeline across various clinical phases, initiating five new phase I, II, or III trials in cardiometabolic diseases, mental health, and oncology. Additionally, Boehringer Ingelheim has achieved two new fast-track designations for inflammation programs and entered into nine R&D partnership agreements, significantly enhancing its human pharma portfolio.

Frank Hübler, Member of the Board of Managing Directors responsible for Finance, emphasized the need for a rigorous focus on resource allocation to accelerate the pipeline and deliver innovative medicines to patients faster. The company reported a 7.4% year-on-year increase in net sales, amounting to EUR 12.9 billion for the first six months of 2024. This growth was mainly driven by high patient demand for the JARDIANCE® product family and OFEV® in Human Pharma, along with NEXGARD® in Animal Health.

In the Human Pharma sector, significant developments were achieved across all focus therapy areas. The company is preparing for future portfolio expansions and upcoming launches, with more data expected in oncology (Zongertinib), mental health (Iclepertin), and pulmonary fibrosis (Nerandomilast) later this year.

Notably, Boehringer Ingelheim made considerable progress in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CRM) health. Positive Phase II data for survodutide in MASH demonstrated groundbreaking results, with a significant percentage of adults showing improvements in liver disease markers. Additionally, a sub-analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis achieved improvement without worsening MASH.

The company has also initiated a Phase III trial in chronic heart failure using a novel selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor (ASi) combined with empagliflozin. For a forthcoming Phase III trial in chronic kidney disease, Boehringer will collaborate with Oxford Population Health.

In a strategic move, Boehringer Ingelheim has joined the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative. This multi-year sponsorship aims to better understand the burden of interconnected diseases and improve patient care.

In oncology, Boehringer is committed to re-entering the field with targeted investments. A Phase Ia/Ib trial of Zongertinib, a HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, showed promising efficacy and tolerability in patients with HER2 aberration-positive solid tumors. Although the Brightline-1 trial investigating Brigimadlin in dedifferentiated liposarcoma did not meet its primary endpoint, the benefit-risk assessment remains positive. Data from these oncology trials will be presented at upcoming conferences.

The Human Pharma business reported a 9.3% year-on-year growth, with net sales reaching EUR 10.3 billion in the first half of 2024. The growth was driven by the strong performance of the JARDIANCE® family and OFEV®. In January, the company announced a EUR 120 million investment to expand and upgrade its production plant in Koropi, Greece, to meet growing demand for its medications.

The Animal Health segment saw slower-than-expected growth, with sales rising by 0.9% year-on-year to EUR 2.5 billion. Challenges included lower-than-expected sales in the U.S. pet business and difficult market conditions in China, particularly affecting the swine vaccine business. However, most other markets delivered solid growth. The NEXGARD® parasiticides brands saw a 15.9% increase, supported by recent launches of NEXGARD® PLUS and NEXGARD® COMBO.

Looking forward, Boehringer Ingelheim aims to launch up to 25 new treatments in Human Pharma by 2030 and expects 20 additional launches in Animal Health by 2026, including new products and updates. The company remains committed to developing innovative therapies and maintaining a long-term perspective on sustainability.