Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies enter into a global research collaboration and licensing agreement

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Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies have entered into a global research collaboration and licensing agreement to develop a potential first-in-class melanocortin receptor-targeted treatment for patients with retinal diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Palatin will receive upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments of up to approximately $326.8 million (€280 million), as well as tiered royalties on net sales.¹

Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced a $1 billion collaboration and license agreement with Re-Vana Therapeutics to develop first-in-class extended-release therapies for eye diseases.² The terms of that agreement grant Boehringer Ingelheim target exclusivity and provide for upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments to Re-Vana, with the total potential deal value exceeding $1 billion for the initial three targets, in addition to royalty payments on net sales.

Remko Bakker, head of eye health and research beyond borders at Boehringer Ingelheim, commented on the partnership in a press release from the company.

“Millions of people worldwide face a progressive decline in their independence and connection to the world due to vision loss caused by complications of diabetic retinopathy, such as DME,” said Bakker. “Given the high treatment burden associated with DR, the potential of a melanocortin receptor agonist is a strategic fit with our pipeline focusing on addressing the three main drivers of retinal disease: inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Importantly, this mechanistic approach may also be applicable in retinal diseases beyond DR, where high unmet needs remain.”

Carl Spana, Palatin’s president and CEO, added, “This collaboration with Boehringer further validates the promise of our portfolio of melanocortin agonists and the possibility of unlocking tremendous clinical and commercial potential in retinal health. Boehringer’s expertise in advancing innovative health care products, combined with its global commercial reach, make them the ideal strategic partner to accelerate this research program in DR and DME for the potential benefit of patients worldwide.”

References:

1. Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies to develop potential first-in-class melanocortin receptor targeted treatment for patients with retinal diseases. Published August 18, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/18/3135002/0/en/Boehringer-Ingelheim-and-Palatin-Technologies-to-develop-potential-first-in-class-melanocortin-receptor-targeted-treatment-for-patients-with-retinal-diseases.html

2. Charters L. Re-Vana and Boehringer Ingelheim launch $1B collaboration to develop extended-release eye therapies. Published July 28, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/re-vana-and-boehringer-ingelheim-launch-1b-collaboration-to-develop-extended-release-eye-therapies