Not intended for US and UK audiences
- BI 765423 has been developed with the aim of targeting IL-11, which is a key factor driving fibrosis
- A new study will explore the potential of BI 765423 to enhance lung function for patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Ingelheim, Germany, 13 January 2026 – Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the commencement of a novel monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin – 11 (IL – 11) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study represents a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to improving the care of people living with progressive fibrotic lung diseases.
IPF is a progressive, life – shortening lung disease that impacts over three million people globally. Most patients experience increasing breathlessness and a decline in lung function. It is more lethal than many types of cancer, having a lower five – year survival rate compared to prostate cancer, female breast cancer, and colon cancer. IPF significantly affects the quality of life, and half of the patients die from the disease within five years of diagnosis. Current medications can slow down the progression of the disease but cannot completely stop the decline of lung function or reverse lung scarring. There is still a great unmet need to halt the disease progression or reverse the effects of IPF.
“With BI 765423, our goal is to go beyond merely slowing down the disease and to pursue next – generation therapies that could restore lung functionality for IPF patients,” said Vittoria Zinzalla, Global Head of Experimental Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Our objective is to transform the lives of patients and their families by demonstrating the potential of this first – in – class IL – 11 inhibitor to bring clear benefits to patients, supported by strong evidence and delivered promptly.”
IL – 11 plays a crucial role in fibrosis across multiple organs. Pre – clinical studies have shown that anti – IL – 11 treatment can stop fibrosis and restore barrier function, leading to improved lung function and tissue integrity. BI 765423 is designed to directly bind to IL – 11, blocking its interaction with its receptor and thus interrupting the signaling pathways that cause fibrosis. By targeting this mechanism, BI 765423 aims not only to slow down lung damage but also to assist in restoring lung functionality.
In Phase I studies, BI 765423 showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile in healthy volunteers across a wide range of doses. The Phase IIa study will be the first to assess its efficacy in patients with IPF. It is an acquired asset from Enleofen with in – licensed intellectual property from Singapore Health Services and the National University of Singapore.
Boehringer Ingelheim has a long – standing commitment to advancing the care of pulmonary fibrosis and has just received FDA approval for JASCAYD®, the first new treatment option for IPF in a decade.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company involved in both human and animal health. As one of the top investors in research and development in the industry, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and prolong lives in areas with high unmet medical needs. Since its establishment in 1885, it has been independent and takes a long – term view, integrating sustainability throughout the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable future. Learn more at .
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