Thursday, November 23, 2023
Boehringer Ingelheim has recently completed the acquisition of T3 Pharmaceuticals AG, a Swiss biotech company, for an amount of up to 450 million CHF. T3 Pharma specializes in a unique therapy platform that utilizes live bacteria to deliver immune-modulating proteins to cancer cells and tumor micro-environments.
Despite the advancements in cancer treatment through immunotherapies, long-term remissions are limited to 15-20% of cancer patients. Boehringer Ingelheim's goal is to significantly increase this rate by integrating complementary immuno-oncology platforms, such as T-Cell Engagers (TcEs), oncolytic viruses, and cancer vaccines. These approaches have the potential to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, expanding the benefits of immunotherapy to a larger patient population.
The acquisition of T3 Pharma strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim's array of innovative immune-modulatory cancer treatments, aligning with the company's oncology strategy to revolutionize cancer care. Michel Pairet, Member of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the significance of this acquisition in expanding their immuno-oncology pipeline.
T3 Pharma's pioneering technology involves the use of engineered Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria to deliver bioactive proteins directly into the tumor micro-environment, sparing healthy tissues. The bacteria can be loaded with various immune-modulatory proteins, facilitating the development of combination therapies within a single agent.
Boehringer Ingelheim's comprehensive approach to cancer therapy development encompasses both cancer cell-directed and immuno-oncology approaches. This strategy aims to create intelligent combinations for life-changing and best-in-class treatments, maximizing benefits for individuals affected by cancer. The company actively engages in collaborative research with a global network of academic and industry partners and invests in startup companies through its Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, a major investor in T3 Pharma.
T3 Pharma, headquartered in Allschwil near Basel, Switzerland, will continue its operations in the Basel region after the acquisition. Simon Ittig, CEO of T3 Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, anticipating accelerated development of their bacterial delivery platform to combat solid cancers.
Source: businesswire.com
