Boehringer Ingelheim, Palatin Technologies to develop melanocortin receptor targeted treatment for retinal diseases

Diabetic retinopathy, including diabetic macular edema (DME), affects one in three people with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age people. Studies suggest that patients with DME face 30-50% higher healthcare costs than those with diabetes alone, underscoring the need for new approaches that mitigate the necessity of long-term, intensive care that often requires frequent monitoring and specialized procedures.

“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,” said Remko Bakker, Head of Eye Health and Research Beyond Borders at Boehringer Ingelheim. “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.”

“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,” said Carl Spana, Palatin’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Palatin will receive upfront, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to €280 million, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.