Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma collaborate on advanced autoimmune and inflammatory disease treatment

Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma, Inc. have announced a significant collaboration and license agreement aimed at advancing the development and commercialization of Cue Biopharma’s CUE-501 product candidate. This novel therapy targets B cell depletion and is designed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Cue Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is working on innovative therapeutic biologics that engage and modulate disease-specific T cells, offering potential treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

The preclinical candidate from Cue Biopharma has shown promise by binding to a specific protein on B cells and simultaneously engaging virus-specific memory killer T cells. This dual action allows for the selective depletion of B cells, potentially minimizing autoimmune responses and inflammation while providing a safer alternative compared to existing B cell-targeting therapies.

Carine Boustany of Boehringer Ingelheim highlighted that this collaboration is a strategic addition to their research portfolio in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These conditions often force patients to undergo multiple treatments without finding adequate relief. By utilizing Cue Biopharma’s proprietary T-cell engagement platform, Boehringer aims to deliver more effective treatment options earlier in the disease course.

The agreement outlines that Cue Biopharma’s technology will be central to further research and development of the candidate molecule. The collaboration spans multiple years and includes provisions for expanding research into other B cell-targeting bispecifics related to autoimmune diseases.

Daniel Passeri, CEO of Cue Biopharma, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing that it not only advances the development of their candidate molecule but also supports their Immuno-STAT™ platform. This platform represents a breakthrough approach, potentially redirecting and harnessing potent antiviral memory T cells against pathological cells.

As per the agreement, Cue Biopharma will receive an upfront payment of $12 million, along with research support payments. Additionally, the company stands to gain up to approximately $345 million through various research, development, and commercial milestones, including royalties from net sales.

Boehringer Ingelheim, a key player in both human and animal health sectors, is known for its significant investment in research and development, focusing on creating therapies that address high unmet medical needs. With an independent history dating back to 1885, the company prioritizes sustainability throughout its operations. Its workforce of over 53,500 employees operates in more than 130 markets worldwide, aiming to foster a healthier and more sustainable future.

Cue Biopharma, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is at the forefront of developing a new class of injectable biologics that target and modulate disease-specific T cells from within the patient’s body. Their proprietary Immuno-STAT™ platform is designed to harness the body’s immune system selectively, modulating T cells specifically for disease without triggering broad systemic immune responses. Led by a team with extensive expertise in immunology and protein engineering, Cue Biopharma is pushing the boundaries of protein biologics design and clinical development.