Boehringer Ingelheim in US$570m deal with CDR-Life

Boehringer Ingelheim and CDR-Life have inked a new global licensing agreement, worth approximately US$570m, to develop CDR111, a first-in-class trispecific antibody-based T-cell engager. CDR111 is designed to selectively target and deplete B cells to reset autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain forms of arthritis.

The agreement builds on the companies’ longstanding collaboration in retinal health, leveraging CDR-Life’s proprietary M-gager platform. This antibody fragment-based technology enables the creation of highly specific T-cell engagers, addressing complex immune system dysregulation and advancing autoimmune disease research.

Under the terms of the deal, CDR-Life is eligible to receive up to approximately US$570m (CHF456m) in total payments, including around US$48mn (CHF38m) in upfront and near-term milestone payments. The agreement also includes tiered royalties on future product sales.

For Boehringer Ingelheim, the agreement represents a strategic expansion of its differentiated pipeline in immunology and autoimmune research. The company continues to invest heavily in innovative research platforms aimed at developing therapies that can modify disease progression rather than merely manage symptoms.

CDR-Life, a Swiss biotech company, specialises in highly targeted T-cell engagers for autoimmune diseases and solid tumours. Its M-gager® platform produces next-generation biologics with exceptional specificity and safety profiles, demonstrating broad potential for B-cell depletion therapy.