Boehringer Ingelheim Licenses Innovative Autoimmune Treatment from Kyowa Kirin

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired a license from Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. to develop a novel treatment targeting autoimmune diseases. This agreement, announced on October 30, 2025, marks a significant step for Boehringer Ingelheim as it expands its pipeline of therapies aimed at addressing critical health challenges faced by patients with these conditions.

Autoimmune diseases, which affect approximately one in ten people globally, present substantial healthcare challenges. Despite recent advancements in treatment options, many patients still experience a high unmet need for effective long-term therapies. Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to innovative research aims to provide targeted solutions that address the root causes of these diseases.

Carine Boustany, the US Innovation Unit Site Head and Global Head of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases at Boehringer Ingelheim, expressed enthusiasm about the new program, stating, “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.”

The pre-clinical program licensed from Kyowa Kirin is expected to leverage both companies’ expertise in disease biology and innovative technology. Takeyoshi Yamashita, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Kyowa Kirin, noted the compound’s potential and emphasized confidence in its development through Boehringer Ingelheim’s established capabilities in inflammatory diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop this small molecule program. Kyowa Kirin is set to receive up to €640 million in total, which includes an upfront payment along with success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to royalties on potential sales.

Boehringer Ingelheim has a long-standing reputation as a biopharmaceutical leader in both human and animal health. Established in 1885, the company is recognized for its substantial investments in research and development, focusing on innovative therapies that address high unmet medical needs. Employing approximately 54,500 individuals globally, Boehringer Ingelheim operates in over 130 markets.

Meanwhile, Kyowa Kirin, based in Japan, has been dedicated to advancing drug discovery and biotechnology innovation for more than 70 years. The company specializes in developing next-generation antibodies and cell and gene therapies, particularly for conditions with significant unmet medical needs, including rare diseases and hematological disorders.

This partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Kyowa Kirin reflects a shared commitment to creating impactful therapies for patients. As both companies work towards delivering this promising treatment, the focus remains on addressing the pressing needs of those affected by autoimmune diseases.

For further information about their initiatives, visit the respective websites of Boehringer Ingelheim at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com and Kyowa Kirin at www.kyowakirin.com.