Boehringer Ingelheim and Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have signed an exclusive agreement to conduct joint research to identify drug candidates targeting an undisclosed G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which belongs to the group of orphan central nervous system (CNS) receptors. An “orphan receptor” is structurally related to a family of proteins that are known to act as functional cell-surface receptors but whose ligand has not yet been identified.

Arena will provide Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive rights to its internally discovered, novel compounds and intellectual property for an orphan CNS receptor. The companies will jointly conduct research to identify additional drug candidates that are suitable for continued research and development as therapeutic compounds for various disease indications. The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products resulting from the collaboration.

Under the terms of the agreement, Arena is eligible to receive payments up to $262 million in success milestones in case of full commercial success of multiple drug products, including an upfront payment and research funding. In addition, Arena is eligible to receive tiered royalties on future sales of products that arise from the collaboration. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Source: Boehringer Ingelheim