Boehringer Ingelheim Acquires Amal Therapeutics for €325 Million to Advance Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines

On July 15, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that the German biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim announced the acquisition of the private biotechnology company Amal Therapeutics (“Amal”) for €325 million to advance the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Amal Therapeutics, a biotechnology company founded in 2012 and headquartered at the University of Geneva Medical Campus in Switzerland, is led by Dr. Madiha Derouazi, an expert in the field of biotechnology, with a focus on the research and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. Following the acquisition, Amal will remain within the University of Geneva and operate as a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim.

Unlike traditional prophylactic vaccines, therapeutic vaccines are designed to combat diseases already present in the body. Therapeutic cancer vaccines carry antigens that are protein fragments derived from tumor cells. These vaccines deliver antigens to the patient’s immune system, thereby stimulating an immune response and activating cytotoxic T cells to target and eliminate tumors. Furthermore, therapeutic cancer vaccines can enhance immunological memory, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

Amal has launched KISIMA, a novel immunotechnology platform for building tumor models and developing therapeutic cancer vaccines using multiple potent components that drive anti-tumor immune responses. The platform also enables drug development based on mechanisms essential to therapeutic vaccine design, such as T-cell and cytotoxic T-cell induction and expansion, promotion of immune memory, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted mechanisms. KISIMA vaccine technology aims to stimulate the immune system and enhance immune effector functions, offering significant therapeutic potential for cancer patients. Beyond oncology, Amal plans to expand its research scope to other areas, including the treatment of infectious diseases.

The lead vaccine candidate ATP128, developed on the KISIMA platform for the treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer, is expected to undergo its first-in-human trial in late July.

Boehringer Ingelheim, founded in 1885 and headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, is the world’s largest family-owned pharmaceutical company, with 146 affiliates and tens of thousands of employees. The company is dedicated to the research, development, production, and supply of innovative medicines to safeguard human and animal health. Boehringer Ingelheim engages in drug development across multiple therapeutic areas, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, central nervous system disorders, immunology, and metabolism.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s cancer immunology team is dedicated to researching targeted immunotherapies and exploring immune-based treatments for non-inflamed “cold” tumors. Previously, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired the healthcare company Vira Therapeutics (Vira-T), which primarily develops oncolytic virus-based anticancer therapeutics. The oncolytic virus VSV-GP developed by the company can effectively destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy human tissues.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s strategic focus is on researching targeted therapies for immune cells. By acquiring Amal Therapeutics and Vira-T, the company has combined its world-class internal R&D team with highly innovative biotech firms to develop novel approaches in cancer immunotherapy, aiming to spawn the next generation of anti-cancer drugs.

Dr. Madiha Derouazi stated, “We are delighted to join Boehringer Ingelheim. Following the completion of this acquisition, Amal will continue to leverage its existing biotechnology research methodologies and scientific academic networks, while further enhancing the immunotherapy technologies of the KISIMA platform. Furthermore, we will share clinical resources with Boehringer Ingelheim to accelerate the development of ATP128 and other anti-cancer drug candidates.”

Michel Pairet, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim, stated, “The acquisition of Amal is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s long-term strategy. We are committed to applying cutting-edge technology to cancer immunotherapy to pioneer new treatments for cancer patients. Amal’s immunotechnology and expertise are vital to the company’s development.”

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)