Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Partner to Develop Dual-target Antibody for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group have entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement to develop SIM0709, a pre-clinical bispecific antibody for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD is a long-term and progressive condition affecting more than three million people worldwide. It often leads to repeated hospital stays and surgery, with a major impact on quality of life. Current treatments do not fully stop disease progression or prevent complications, highlighting a continued unmet medical need. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to advance a new therapeutic approach that could improve outcomes for patients.
SIM0709 is a long-acting, humanised bispecific antibody developed using Simcere’s multi-specific antibody platform. It targets two key disease pathways by blocking TL1A and interleukin-23 (IL-23). Pre-clinical laboratory and animal studies have shown strong synergistic effects, with the candidate demonstrating better efficacy than the combined use of the two individual therapies.
Under the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain global development and commercialisation rights to SIM0709, excluding Greater China. Simcere will receive an upfront payment and may be eligible for development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to €1.058 billion, along with royalties on net sales outside Greater China.
The collaboration is expected to support global development efforts and accelerate the potential availability of a new treatment option for people living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Source: boehringer-ingelheim.com
