Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE Immunotherapeutics progress BI 770371 cancer treatment

INGELHEIM, Germany and NANTES, France I July 03, 2024 I Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE Immunotherapeutics SA (OSE) have disclosed advancements in their SIRPα immuno-oncology program, progressing into its next clinical development phase. Boehringer will now test an enhanced next-generation SIRPα inhibitor antibody in a Phase 1b study.

Current immuno-oncological therapies result in sustained remission in only 15-20% of cancer cases. Boehringer Ingelheim aims to significantly improve this percentage. Through its immuno-oncology research, Boehringer is exploring various methods to activate the immune system to target cancer cells, including the blockade of the SIRPα immune checkpoint.

Vittoria Zinzalla, Global Head of Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at Boehringer Ingelheim, expressed enthusiasm about the progress of the SIRPα program, initially started by OSE. Zinzalla emphasized the importance of the positive data from early clinical studies and the potential of the improved antibody in speeding up and expanding their portfolio of innovative cancer therapies to enhance the lives of cancer patients.

Nicolas Poirier, CEO of OSE Immunotherapeutics, echoed this excitement. He highlighted the movement of the SIRPα project forward in clinical development within the immuno-oncology field, as well as its potential applications in other diseases. Poirier noted that this advancement brings them closer to their goal of providing this selective SIRPα innovation to benefit a broader range of patients.

SIRPα is a receptor located on macrophages, which are immune cells capable of identifying, engulfing, and destroying cancer cells. When SIRPα binds to its partner, CD47, this immune activity is halted. Many cancer cells exhibit CD47 on their surfaces to evade immune detection and destruction. By blocking SIRPα, macrophages can boost their immune activity and effectively destroy cancer cells.

With the progression of this program, Boehringer Ingelheim is enhancing its robust immuno-oncology pipeline to fast-track next-generation cancer therapies aimed at meeting high unmet medical needs. Boehringer will take full responsibility for further development and any potential future commercialization of the SIRPα inhibitor.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to developing groundbreaking therapies that improve lives today and for future generations. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim innovates in areas with significant unmet medical needs. Established in 1885 and family-owned ever since, the company maintains a long-term, sustainable perspective. Boehringer Ingelheim's workforce of over 53,000 employees serves more than 130 markets across two business units: Human Pharma and Animal Health.

About OSE Immunotherapeutics
OSE Immunotherapeutics is a biotech firm focused on developing cutting-edge assets in immuno-oncology (IO) and immuno-inflammation (I&I). The company boasts a balanced pipeline of first-in-class clinical products, aiming to further its ambitious goal of delivering next-generation immunotherapies. OSE Immunotherapeutics leverages its four proprietary drug discovery platforms to generate significant value and meet its objectives in the field of advanced immunotherapies.

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