Boehringer, Palatin Partner on Retinal Disease Therapy

Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies have announced a strategic global research collaboration and licensing agreement aimed at developing a first-in-class melanocortin receptor-targeted treatment for patients with retinal diseases.

Terms of the Agreement

Under the terms of the collaboration, Palatin Technologies will receive a combination of upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to approximately $326.8 million (€280 million). In addition, Palatin is eligible for tiered royalties on net sales, reflecting the long-term commercial potential of the partnership.

This latest announcement follows Boehringer Ingelheim’s recently disclosed $1 billion agreement with Re-Vana Therapeutics to develop extended-release therapies for eye diseases. That agreement also includes milestone payments and royalties, with target exclusivity granted to Boehringer Ingelheim for the initial three development programs.

A Focus on Retinal Disease Innovation

The new collaboration centers on the potential of melanocortin receptor agonists, a novel therapeutic class with relevance to several underlying mechanisms of retinal disease. Remko Bakker, Head of Eye Health and Research Beyond Borders at Boehringer Ingelheim, commented on the significance of the partnership:

“Millions of people worldwide face a progressive decline in their independence and connection to the world due to vision loss caused by complications of diabetic retinopathy, such as DME. 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.”

Strategic Validation and Global Reach

Carl Spana, PhD, President and CEO of Palatin Technologies, emphasized the significance of the partnership as a milestone for both companies:

“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. 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.”