Boehringer Ingelheim has signed a new research collaboration with Hydra Biosciences that will this time focus on renal diseases and disorders.
It will work with the Cambridge, US-based firm, which has a focus on transient receptor potential (TRP) channel modulation, on identifying small-molecule TRP inhibitors.
Dr Michel Pairet, senior corporate VP of research and non-clinical development at Boehringer, said: “This new collaboration agreement with Hydra Biosciences reflects the importance and value Boehringer Ingelheim places in developing strong research partners to discover new treatments for renal disease and related disorders.
The partnership marks the second collaboration between the two companies after they began to research and develop small molecule TRPC4/5 inhibitors for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders last year.
Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer is responsible for the global development and commercialisation of the inhibitors that come from the collaboration and Hydra will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, additional research funding and will be eligible to receive milestone payments.
Russell Herndon, president and CEO of Hydra Biosciences, said: “This partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences provides an excellent opportunity to maximise the potential of novel targets that may offer meaningful improvements in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases and other related diseases and disorders.
“Boehringer Ingelheim’s long track record of research, development and commercialisation success makes them the perfect partner for this programme.”