- A collaboration and licensing deal will bolster Boehringer’s growing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline with a new asset slated for first-in-human trials next year.
- This novel, potentially leading ADC targets a cancer-specific marker found in numerous cancer types for which effective treatments are urgently needed.
Ingelheim, Germany, and Seoul, Korea, 15 October 2025 – Boehringer Ingelheim and AimedBio, a biotech firm focused on creating antibody-based treatments, revealed a worldwide collaboration and licensing pact today. Its purpose is to develop an innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy applicable to a wide array of cancers. This accord reinforces Boehringer’s expanding ADC pipeline, spearheaded by its subsidiary NBE Therapeutics, aligning with the company’s goal of enhancing the lives of individuals battling cancer.
“ADCs represent a potent therapeutic strategy, blending biological accuracy with chemical strength,” stated Vittoria Zinzalla, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Global Head of Experimental Medicine. “By targeting a specific cancer surface marker with AimedBio’s ADC, we could broaden precision medicine alternatives for difficult-to-treat cancers and potentially offer significant advantages to patients. We are delighted to advance this initiative into clinical trials, fulfilling our commitment to revolutionize cancer treatment.”
ADCs leverage the precision of monoclonal antibodies and the effectiveness of cytotoxic agents – specifically, an exatecan derivative in this instance – to pinpoint and eradicate cancer cells while reducing harm to healthy tissues. AimedBio’s developed ADC targets a protein abundantly expressed in many cancers, scarcely found in healthy tissues, and crucial for tumor proliferation, spread, and treatment resistance. Utilizing an ADC against this protein is anticipated to provide highly selective destructive action against tumor cells, boosting effectiveness and promoting improved patient results.
“We are convinced this initiative has the capacity to revolutionize treatment approaches for numerous cancers presently lacking viable solutions. Collaborating with Boehringer will facilitate the rapid, extensive, and expert advancement of this program, essential for confirming this innovative target and strategy,” commented Do-Hyun Nam, AimedBio’s CTO. “Boehringer’s robust dedication to future cancer therapies establishes them as the perfect partner to propel this program through clinical development and beyond.”
According to the agreement’s conditions, AimedBio stands to gain up to $991 million overall. This sum encompasses an initial payment, payments tied to development and regulatory achievements, commercial milestones, and distinct royalty payouts based on net sales.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim operates as a biopharmaceutical firm engaged in both human and animal health sectors. As a leading investor in research and development within the industry, the company prioritizes creating inventive treatments capable of enhancing and prolonging lives in medical fields where significant needs remain unaddressed. Maintaining independence since its establishment in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim adopts a long-term outlook, integrating sustainability across its complete value chain. Over 53,500 employees cater to more than 130 markets, striving to forge a healthier, more sustainable, and fairer future. Discover more at (Global) or (UK).
About AimedBio
Established in 2018 as a spin-off from Samsung Medical Center, AimedBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that has partnered to advance an out-licensed ADC presently undergoing a clinical trial. The company specializes in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and antibody-based cancer treatments, notable for its incorporation of patient-derived information and specimens throughout its development cycle to boost accuracy and clinical pertinence. By collaborating closely with medical practitioners, AimedBio concentrates on critical medical requirements and utilizes both clinical and public data to pinpoint successful gene targets. Its unique antibody panning technique employing patient-derived cells (PDCs) sharpens ADC specificity, lowers trial dropout rates, and refines forecasts of drug effectiveness and safety—consequently expediting development schedules.
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AimedBio Inquiries
Boehringer Ingelheim
Reinhard Malin
T +49 (6132) 77-90815
M +49 (151) 15020690
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Linda Ruckel
T +1 (203) 791-6672
M +1 (917) 692-0848
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