Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Partner to Advance Dual-Target Antibody for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group have entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement to develop SIM0709, a preclinical bispecific antibody for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD is a long-term and progressive condition affecting more than three million people worldwide. It often leads to repeated hospital stays and surgery, with a major impact on quality of life. Current treatments are not able to fully stop disease progression or prevent complications, highlighting a continued unmet medical need.
SIM0709 is a long-acting, humanised bispecific antibody developed by Simcere using its proprietary multi-specific antibody platform. The candidate targets both TL1A and interleukin-23, two key biological pathways involved in the development and progression of IBD. Preclinical laboratory and animal studies have shown strong synergistic effects, with results exceeding those seen with the use of the two individual therapies together.
Through the collaboration, the companies aim to advance this dual-target approach and support the development of a potential new treatment option for patients with IBD. Boehringer Ingelheim will lead global development activities, drawing on its experience in immunology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim receives worldwide rights to SIM0709, excluding Greater China. Simcere is eligible to receive an upfront payment, along with development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments that could total up to €1,058 million. The deal also includes royalties on net sales outside the Greater China region.
Source: globenewswire.com
