Boehringer Ingelheim Licenses Innovative Autoimmune Treatment from Kyowa Kirin

Boehringer Ingelheim has secured a license from Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. to develop a promising new treatment for autoimmune diseases. The agreement, finalized on October 30, 2025, involves a pre-clinical small molecule program that aims to address significant unmet needs in this growing area of healthcare.

Autoimmune diseases currently affect approximately one in ten individuals worldwide, presenting a considerable burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Despite advancements in treatment options, there remains a critical demand for more effective and durable therapies. Boehringer Ingelheim, recognized for its leadership in autoimmune disease research, is dedicated to creating targeted therapies that tackle the root causes of these conditions.

Carine Boustany, US Innovation Unit Site Head and Global Head of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases at Boehringer Ingelheim, stated, “Our commitment to delivering life-changing therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases is unwavering. We are pleased to add a potential first-in-class program to our growing pipeline.” This acquisition represents a pivotal move towards developing groundbreaking treatments for those affected by autoimmune conditions.

Kyowa Kirin’s Takeyoshi Yamashita, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the compound’s potential, noting that it was discovered through the company’s expertise in innovative technology and disease biology. “Leveraging Boehringer Ingelheim’s renowned expertise in inflammatory diseases, we are confident that this innovation will be developed efficiently and delivered to the patients who need it most,” he said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to the small molecule program. In return, Kyowa Kirin stands to receive up to €640 million, which includes an upfront payment along with milestone payments based on development, regulatory, and commercial achievements, in addition to royalties from potential sales.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in both human and animal health sectors. The organization is one of the top investors in research and development within the industry, focusing on creating innovative therapies that address areas of high unmet medical need. Established in 1885, the company maintains a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability across its operations. With approximately 54,500 employees, it serves over 130 markets worldwide, striving to improve health outcomes globally.

Kyowa Kirin, headquartered in Japan, is committed to discovering and delivering novel medicines with transformative potential. For over seventy years, the company has invested in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation, working to develop the next generation of antibodies and cell and gene therapies aimed at treating diseases with significant unmet medical needs, including rare diseases and hematological disorders.

This collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and Kyowa Kirin highlights a shared commitment to advancing treatments for autoimmune diseases, with the potential for substantial impact on patient care and outcomes. As both companies work towards the development of this promising therapy, the focus remains on fulfilling the urgent needs of patients grappling with these challenging conditions.