Boehringer Ingelheim Strengthens Immuno-oncology Portfolio with T3 Pharma Acquisition
Boehringer Ingelheim has confirmed the acquisition of T3 Pharmaceuticals AG, a Swiss clinical-stage biotech company thereby expanding its immuno-oncology portfolio. The privately-held firm boasts a groundbreaking therapy platform that employs live bacteria for the targeted delivery of immune-modulating proteins to cancer cells and their micro-environments. The acquisition, valued at up to 450 million CHF (approx. 509 million USD), marks Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment.
Despite the significant strides made in cancer treatment through immunotherapies, achieving long-term remissions remains a challenge, with only 15-20% of cancer patients experiencing such outcomes. Boehringer Ingelheim is poised to address this gap by integrating complementary immuno-oncology platforms, including T-Cell Engagers (TcEs), oncolytic viruses, and cancer vaccines.
The novel approach involves leveraging T3 Pharma’s expertise to potentially transform “cold” tumors into “hot” ones. This strategy aims to significantly enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, offering a broader spectrum of benefits to a larger pool of patients. Boehringer Ingelheim’s move reflects a strategic commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics and expanding the reach of innovative treatments in the evolving landscape of immuno-oncology.
T3 Pharma’s pioneering technology will bolster Boehringer Ingelheim’s array of novel immune-modulatory cancer treatments, reinforcing the company’s oncology strategy to transform the lives of people affected by cancer.
Michel Pairet, Member of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim with responsibility for the Innovation Unit said:
“The acquisition of T3 Pharma will significantly expand our immuno-oncology pipeline portfolio and is synergistic with many of our existing R&D programs. This will bring us closer to achieving our vision of driving a paradigm shift in cancer care treatments.”
Simon Ittig, CEO of T3 Pharma said:
“We are extremely proud of the work of T3 Pharma’s team and very excited to continue and accelerate the successful development of our bacterial delivery platform as part of Boehringer Ingelheim. Being integrated with our partners at Boehringer will enable us to realize the full potential of our platform to fight solid cancers.”
T3 Pharma has pioneered a distinctive platform utilizing engineered Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria to precisely transport bioactive proteins directly into the tumor micro-environment, while preserving healthy tissues. This innovative system allows loading the bacteria with a variety of immune-modulatory proteins, facilitating the development of combination therapies within a single agent in the field of immuno-oncology.
Boehringer Ingelheim is embracing a holistic approach to cancer therapy development, encompassing both cancer cell-directed and immuno-oncology strategies. This integrated strategy seeks to facilitate intelligent combinations that yield transformative and best-in-class treatments, potentially offering maximal benefits to individuals impacted by cancer. To realize this vision, the company is actively engaging with cutting-edge scientific advancements, collaborating with an expanding global network of esteemed academic and industry partners, and investing in startups through its Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, a key contributor to the funding of T3 Pharma.
Headquartered in Allschwil near Basel, Switzerland, T3 Pharma was established with financial support from corporate and institutional investors. Post-acquisition, the operations of T3 Pharma will continue to thrive in the Basel region, maintaining its commitment to advancing pioneering solutions in the realm of cancer therapeutics.
For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Original Source: Press Release – Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany, and Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, 22/11/2023
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