Latest news with #ShashankDeshpande
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma Enter Partnership to Commercialize and Further Develop SPEVIGO® (spesolimab)
Partnership will accelerate and broaden access to treatment for more patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and devastating skin condition LEO Pharma's six decades of dermatology expertise and Boehringer's global track record in bringing SPEVIGO® to over 40 countries will be combined to ensure continuous patient support Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma will closely cooperate to ensure a smooth transition of all operations INGELHEIM, Germany & BALLERUP, Denmark, July 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GLOBAL RELEASE - NOT INTENDED FOR UK MEDIA Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma today announced an exclusive global license and transfer agreement to commercialize and advance the development of SPEVIGO® (spesolimab). SPEVIGO® is an innovative, humanized, and selective monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks the activation of the interleukin-36 (IL-36) receptor - a key signaling pathway in the immune system implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoinflammatory diseases, including generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).123 This partnership extends beyond GPP, with an opportunity to investigate the potential of spesolimab in additional skin conditions with high unmet medical need in which IL-36 is implicated. Under the terms of the agreement, LEO Pharma will be responsible for commercialization and further development of SPEVIGO® leveraging its global commercial platform within medical dermatology to raise disease awareness and secure access for patients with GPP. The addition of Boehringer Ingelheim's flagship dermatology product, SPEVIGO®, for the treatment of GPP, complements LEO Pharma's existing strategic dermatology portfolio and reinforces its long-standing commitment to delivering transformational medicines to patients. "We are immensely proud of what SPEVIGO® represents for people living with GPP and bringing innovation to this community of patients has been a powerful reflection of our purpose to transform lives," said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. "SPEVIGO® holds a significant promise, and ensuring it reaches its full potential requires continued focus, and expertise in medical dermatology. With over six decades of singular dedication to this field, LEO Pharma is exceptionally well-positioned to build on the strong foundation we've laid. We remain profoundly grateful to the patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who have walked this journey with us." "Skin diseases can profoundly impact people's lives - and at LEO Pharma, we are here to change that," said Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma. "Partnering to bring SPEVIGO® to more patients is more than a strategic step - it means the opportunity to help people living with GPP by addressing a disease with limited treatment options and aiming to improve their quality of life. We are inspired by Boehringer Ingelheim's pioneering efforts and thrilled to build on that foundation. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to expand access to innovative care and deliver meaningful progress for patients who have long been underserved." GPP is a rare, heterogeneous, and potentially life-threatening skin disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the skin, leading to painful, sterile pustules across the body. The disease course varies, with some patients experiencing relapsing episodes with recurrent flares - often accompanied by fever, malaise, fatigue, and a risk of organ failure - while others endure persistent disease with intermittent flares.7891011 SPEVIGO® is available in more than 40 countries including the U.S., Japan, China, and most European countries to treat GPP flares in adults.4 It is the first approved treatment for GPP flares that specifically targets the IL-36 pathway and that has been evaluated in a statistically powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.5 Additionally, SPEVIGO® has also been approved for expanded indications in generalized pustular psoriasis in the EU, U.S. and China.6 SPEVIGO® is also under investigation for the treatment of other IL-36 mediated skin diseases. The transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, subject to merger control clearance, with Boehringer Ingelheim set to receive EUR 90 million as upfront payment, along with milestone payments and tiered royalties. July, 2025 About Spevigo SPEVIGO® is a novel, humanized, selective antibody that specifically blocks the activation of the IL-36R, a signalling pathway within the immune system shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of several autoinflammatory diseases, including GPP. It is the first targeted therapy for the treatment of GPP and has been evaluated in the largest clinical program specifically for the treatment of patients with GPP.123 About generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) GPP is a chronic, heterogenous, neutrophilic inflammatory disease associated with skin and systemic symptoms that is distinct from plaque psoriasis. GPP is recognized as a separate clinical entity from other forms of psoriasis, with the IL-36 pathway being a key driver of GPP and triggering response to treatment.78 GPP can become life-threatening (mortality rates ranging from 2% to 16%) due to severe complications, such as multisystem organ failure and sepsis requiring urgent hospital care; many GPP patients also suffer from various comorbidities, which contribute to the ongoing burden for the patient and healthcare systems.89 GPP symptoms appear unpredictable and present on a continuum, which greatly impacts a patient's quality of life, and may cause fear and anxiety over the disease course, as well as long-term impacts on quality of life related to work/school, emotional health, social activities, and finances.81011 About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at About LEO Pharma LEO Pharma is a global leader in medical dermatology. We deliver innovative solutions for skin health, building on a century of experience with breakthrough medicines in healthcare. We are committed to making a fundamental difference in people's lives, and our broad portfolio of treatments serve close to 100 million patients in over 70 countries annually. Headquartered in Denmark, LEO Pharma has a team of 4,000 people worldwide. LEO Pharma is co-owned by majority shareholder the LEO Foundation and, since 2021, Nordic Capital. For more information, visit 1 Morita A, Strober B, Burden AD, et al. Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous spesolimab for the prevention of generalised pustular psoriasis flares (Effisayil 2): an international, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2023;402:1541–1551.2 Choon SE, Lebwohl MG, Marrakchi S, et al. Study protocol of the global Effisayil 1 Phase II, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of spesolimab in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis presenting with an acute flare. BMJ Open. 2021;11:e043666.3 Bachelez H, Choon SE, Marrakchi S, et al. Trial of spesolimab for generalized pustular psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:2431–2440.4 Record on file.5 Boehringer Ingelheim. Spesolimab prevented generalized pustular psoriasis flares in Effisayil™ 2 trial. 2023. (Accessed 22 July 2024).6 Boehringer Ingelheim. European Commission approves SPEVIGO® for new and expanded indications in generalized pustular psoriasis. 2024. (Accessed 29 June 2025).7 Marrakchi S, Puig L. Pathophysiology of generalized pustular psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:13–19.8 Prinz JC, Choon SE, Griffiths CEM, et al. Prevalence, comorbidities and mortality of generalized pustular psoriasis: A literature review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37:256–273.9 Choon SE, Navarini AA, Pinter A. Clinical course and characteristics of generalized pustular psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:21–29.10 Gooderham MJ, Van Voorhees AS, Lebwohl MG. An update on generalized pustular psoriasis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2019;15:907–919.11 Reisner DV, Johnsson FD, Kotowsky N, et al. Impact of generalized pustular psoriasis from the perspective of people living with the condition: Results of an online survey. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:65–71. View source version on Contacts Boehringer Ingelheim Tereza Urbankova, Senior Media Relations ManagerE-Mail: press@ Phone Number: +49 (6132) 77-184817LEO Pharma Jeppe Ilkjær, MediaE-Mail: jeilk@ Phone Number: +45 3050 2014Christian Soerup Ryom, InvestorsE-Mail: chsoe@ Phone Number: +45 3089 9083 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma Enter Partnership to Commercialize and Further Develop SPEVIGO ® (spesolimab)
INGELHEIM, Germany & BALLERUP, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GLOBAL RELEASE - NOT INTENDED FOR UK MEDIA Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma today announced an exclusive global license and transfer agreement to commercialize and advance the development of SPEVIGO ® (spesolimab). SPEVIGO ® is an innovative, humanized, and selective monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks the activation of the interleukin-36 (IL-36) receptor - a key signaling pathway in the immune system implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoinflammatory diseases, including generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). 123 This partnership extends beyond GPP, with an opportunity to investigate the potential of spesolimab in additional skin conditions with high unmet medical need in which IL-36 is implicated. Under the terms of the agreement, LEO Pharma will be responsible for commercialization and further development of SPEVIGO® leveraging its global commercial platform within medical dermatology to raise disease awareness and secure access for patients with GPP. The addition of Boehringer Ingelheim's flagship dermatology product, SPEVIGO ®, for the treatment of GPP, complements LEO Pharma's existing strategic dermatology portfolio and reinforces its long-standing commitment to delivering transformational medicines to patients. 'We are immensely proud of what SPEVIGO ® represents for people living with GPP and bringing innovation to this community of patients has been a powerful reflection of our purpose to transform lives,' said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. 'SPEVIGO ® holds a significant promise, and ensuring it reaches its full potential requires continued focus, and expertise in medical dermatology. With over six decades of singular dedication to this field, LEO Pharma is exceptionally well-positioned to build on the strong foundation we've laid. We remain profoundly grateful to the patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who have walked this journey with us.' 'Skin diseases can profoundly impact people's lives - and at LEO Pharma, we are here to change that,' said Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma. 'Partnering to bring SPEVIGO® to more patients is more than a strategic step - it means the opportunity to help people living with GPP by addressing a disease with limited treatment options and aiming to improve their quality of life. We are inspired by Boehringer Ingelheim's pioneering efforts and thrilled to build on that foundation. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to expand access to innovative care and deliver meaningful progress for patients who have long been underserved.' GPP is a rare, heterogeneous, and potentially life-threatening skin disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the skin, leading to painful, sterile pustules across the body. The disease course varies, with some patients experiencing relapsing episodes with recurrent flares - often accompanied by fever, malaise, fatigue, and a risk of organ failure - while others endure persistent disease with intermittent flares. 7891011 SPEVIGO ® is available in more than 40 countries including the U.S., Japan, China, and most European countries to treat GPP flares in adults. 4 It is the first approved treatment for GPP flares that specifically targets the IL-36 pathway and that has been evaluated in a statistically powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. 5 Additionally, SPEVIGO® has also been approved for expanded indications in generalized pustular psoriasis in the EU, U.S. and China. 6 SPEVIGO ® is also under investigation for the treatment of other IL-36 mediated skin diseases. The transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, subject to merger control clearance, with Boehringer Ingelheim set to receive EUR 90 million as upfront payment, along with milestone payments and tiered royalties. July, 2025 About Spevigo SPEVIGO® is a novel, humanized, selective antibody that specifically blocks the activation of the IL-36R, a signalling pathway within the immune system shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of several autoinflammatory diseases, including GPP. It is the first targeted therapy for the treatment of GPP and has been evaluated in the largest clinical program specifically for the treatment of patients with GPP. 123 About generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) GPP is a chronic, heterogenous, neutrophilic inflammatory disease associated with skin and systemic symptoms that is distinct from plaque psoriasis. GPP is recognized as a separate clinical entity from other forms of psoriasis, with the IL-36 pathway being a key driver of GPP and triggering response to treatment. 78 GPP can become life-threatening (mortality rates ranging from 2% to 16%) due to severe complications, such as multisystem organ failure and sepsis requiring urgent hospital care; many GPP patients also suffer from various comorbidities, which contribute to the ongoing burden for the patient and healthcare systems. 89 GPP symptoms appear unpredictable and present on a continuum, which greatly impacts a patient's quality of life, and may cause fear and anxiety over the disease course, as well as long-term impacts on quality of life related to work/school, emotional health, social activities, and finances. 81011 About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at About LEO Pharma LEO Pharma is a global leader in medical dermatology. We deliver innovative solutions for skin health, building on a century of experience with breakthrough medicines in healthcare. We are committed to making a fundamental difference in people's lives, and our broad portfolio of treatments serve close to 100 million patients in over 70 countries annually. Headquartered in Denmark, LEO Pharma has a team of 4,000 people worldwide. LEO Pharma is co-owned by majority shareholder the LEO Foundation and, since 2021, Nordic Capital. For more information, visit 1 Morita A, Strober B, Burden AD, et al. Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous spesolimab for the prevention of generalised pustular psoriasis flares (Effisayil 2): an international, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2023;402:1541–1551. 2 Choon SE, Lebwohl MG, Marrakchi S, et al. Study protocol of the global Effisayil 1 Phase II, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of spesolimab in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis presenting with an acute flare. BMJ Open. 2021;11:e043666. 3 Bachelez H, Choon SE, Marrakchi S, et al. Trial of spesolimab for generalized pustular psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:2431–2440. 4 Record on file. 5 Boehringer Ingelheim. Spesolimab prevented generalized pustular psoriasis flares in Effisayil™ 2 trial. 2023. (Accessed 22 July 2024). 6 Boehringer Ingelheim. European Commission approves SPEVIGO® for new and expanded indications in generalized pustular psoriasis. 2024. (Accessed 29 June 2025). 7 Marrakchi S, Puig L. Pathophysiology of generalized pustular psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:13–19. 8 Prinz JC, Choon SE, Griffiths CEM, et al. Prevalence, comorbidities and mortality of generalized pustular psoriasis: A literature review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37:256–273. 9 Choon SE, Navarini AA, Pinter A. Clinical course and characteristics of generalized pustular psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:21–29. 10 Gooderham MJ, Van Voorhees AS, Lebwohl MG. An update on generalized pustular psoriasis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2019;15:907–919. 11 Reisner DV, Johnsson FD, Kotowsky N, et al. Impact of generalized pustular psoriasis from the perspective of people living with the condition: Results of an online survey. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23:65–71.
Mid East Info
12-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Boehringer's nerandomilast meets primary endpoint in Phase III study FIBRONEER™-ILD, in progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Topline data from FIBRONEER™-ILD show that the investigational compound nerandomilast met its primary endpoint, which was the absolute change from baseline in forced vital capacity [mL] at week 52 versus placebo The FIBRONEER™-ILD trial is the second Phase III trial in which the investigational compound nerandomilast has met its primary endpoint [1] Initial safety and tolerability results of the FIBRONEER™-trials are generally consistent with the Phase II results in IPF; full efficacy and safety data from FIBRONEER™-ILD will be shared in the second quarter of 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim will submit a new drug application for nerandomilast for the treatment of PPF to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities worldwide Boehringer Ingelheim announced today that the FIBRONEER™-ILD trial met its primary endpoint, which was the absolute change from baseline in forced vital capacity (FVC) [mL] at week 52 versus placebo. FVC is a measure of lung function. [2] Initial data readouts of the FIBRONEER™-trials support a generally consistent safety and tolerability profile when compared to the Phase II idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) study, with overall adverse events comparable to those seen in the placebo group. 3 Nerandomilast is an investigational oral, preferential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B). [3] As it has not been approved for use, safety and efficacy have not been established. It is being investigated as part of the FIBRONEER™ global program, which includes two Phase III studies —FIBRONEER™-IPF [4] in people living with IPF and FIBRONEER™-ILD [5] in people living with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Based on these results, Boehringer Ingelheim will submit a new drug application for nerandomilast for the treatment of PPF to the US FDA and other health authorities worldwide. 'The positive FIBRONEER™-ILD topline result shows the potential of nerandomilast in progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The hope is that the safety and tolerability profile we are initially seeing could potentially help to reduce treatment challenges,' said Shashank Deshpande, Head of Human Pharma and Member of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim. 'The recent milestones of the FIBRONEER™ trial program underscore our commitment to transforming the lives of patients with this debilitating disease, and are a testament to Boehringer Ingelheim's position at the forefront of pulmonary fibrosis research.' About FIBRONEER™-ILD ( NCT05321082 )5 FIBRONEER™-ILD was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of nerandomilast (BI 1015550) over at least 52 weeks in patients with PPF. Primary endpoint: Absolute change from baseline in FVC (mL) at week 52. Key secondary endpoint: Time to the first occurrence of any of the components of the composite endpoint: time to first acute interstitial lung disease (ILD) exacerbation; first hospitalization for respiratory cause; or death (whichever occurs first) over the duration of the trial. Patients participating in the FIBRONEER™-ILD trial were treated with either oral nerandomilast 9 mg or 18 mg, or placebo, twice-daily, over at least 52 weeks. The 18 mg twice-daily dose of nerandomilast is supported by the results from the Phase II study.2 An additional 9 mg twice-daily dose of nerandomilast was added to evaluate the benefit-risk profile at a lower dose, as well as to provide further dose-response and exposure-response data.2 The trial has been conducted in more than 40 countries, more than 400 locations, and enrolled 1178 patients. About the FIBRONEER™ clinical program: The FIBRONEER™ program includes two Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials — FIBRONEER™-IPF ( NCT05321069 )4 and FIBRONEER™-ILD ( NCT05321082 )5 — to investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of nerandomilast over at least 52 weeks in patients with IPF and in patients with PPF. In both trials, the primary endpoint is the absolute change from baseline in FVC (mL) at week 52.4,5 The key secondary endpoint is the time to the first occurrence of any of the components of the composite endpoint: time to first acute IPF/ILD exacerbation, first hospitalization for respiratory cause, or death (whichever occurs first) over the duration of the trials. About nerandomilast: Nerandomilast (BI 1015550) is an investigational oral, preferential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) that is being studied as a potential treatment for IPF and PPF.3,4,5 This compound is an investigational agent and has not been approved for use. The efficacy and safety of this investigational compound has not been established. Nerandomilast was granted FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of IPF in February 2022. [6] The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of nerandomilast was studied in a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients with IPF (n=147).3 The primary endpoint was a change from baseline in FVC (a measure of lung function) over a 12-week treatment period.3 About IPF and PPF: IPF is one of the more common progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD). [7] Symptoms of IPF include breathlessness during activity, a dry and persistent cough, fatigue and weakness. [8] Although considered 'rare,' IPF affects approximately 3 million people worldwide.8, [9] The disease primarily affects patients over the age of 50 and affects more men than women.8 Patients with certain types of non-IPF fibrosing ILD may also develop a progressive phenotype known as PPF. In ILDs other than IPF, progressive pulmonary fibrosis is defined by worsening respiratory symptoms, physiological evidence of disease progression and radiological evidence of disease progression. [10] Progressive pulmonary fibrosis can cause irreversible lung damage and lead to early mortality.10, [11] About Boehringer Ingelheim: Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow.
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Boehringer's zongertinib receives Priority Review from U.S. FDA for the treatment of HER2 (ERBB2)-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Ridgefield, Conn., U.S., and Ingelheim, Germany Zongertinib would be the first orally administered, targeted therapy for previously treated patients with HER2 ( ERBB2)-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), if approved The application for this investigational treatment is based on positive results from the Phase Ib Beamion LUNG-1, Cohort 1 trial that demonstrated an objective response rate of 71% in 75 previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC HER2 ( ERBB2)-mutant advanced NSCLC is linked to poor prognosis and currently has limited treatment options1 Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Priority Review to its new drug application for zongertinib (BI 1810631) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 ( ERBB2) mutations and who have received prior systemic therapy. The FDA grants Priority Review to applications for drugs that would offer significant improvements in the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions, with action expected within six months compared to 10 months under standard review. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date is in the third quarter of 2025. 'We believe zongertinib has the potential to transform the care of previously treated patients with HER2 (ERBB2) -mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer and are hopeful about the continued research in other tumor types and lines of therapy,' said Shashank Deshpande, Member of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. 'Priority Review illustrates the urgent need in this patient population and the possibility for zongertinib to be a groundbreaking innovation for patients with limited treatment options.' The application was based on results from the positive Phase Ib Beamion LUNG-1 trial. Data from Cohort 1 (N=75) of the study, demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 71% with six-month progression-free survival (PFS) and duration of response (DoR) rates of 69% and 73%, respectively, in patients with mutations in the HER2 tyrosine kinase domain. Zongertinib had a safety profile with a low incidence of dose reductions (5%) and treatment discontinuations (3%). The majority of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) with zongertinib were mild in nature with diarrhea and rash being the most common all grade TRAEs, at 51% and 27% respectively. No new safety signals were observed. Grade 3 or higher TRAEs occurred in one patient treated with zongertinib. No treatment-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) cases were reported. 'Personalized medicine has revolutionized cancer treatment,' said GO2 for Lung Cancer's Chief Scientific Officer, Courtney Granville. 'Early screening and biomarker testing for mutations provide critical information to guide targeted therapies in personalized medicine. This filing acceptance represents a significant step toward offering another option for individuals with a HER2 ( ERBB2) diagnosis, bringing hope and direction to cancer patients.' Zongertinib was previously granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Fast Track Designation by the FDA. The FDA's Breakthrough Therapy designation is intended to expedite the development and review of a medicine that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening disease, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over available treatments. The FDA's Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. In addition to the FDA designations, Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency recently granted Orphan Drug Designation to zongertinib. About the Beamion clinical trial program Beamion LUNG-1 ( NCT04886804) is an open-label, Phase I dose escalation trial, with dose confirmation and expansion, of zongertinib as monotherapy in people with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with HER2 ( ERBB2) alterations. Beamion LUNG-2 is a Phase III, open label, randomized, active-controlled study that is enrolling patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring HER2 ( ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain mutations to evaluate zongertinib compared with standard of care. About zongertinib Zongertinib (also known as BI 1810631) is an investigational, irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that selectively inhibits HER2 ( ERBB2) while sparing EGFR, thereby limiting associated toxicities. This orally administered, targeted treatment is being developed for HER2 ( ERRB2) - mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and additional clinical studies with zongertinib are ongoing in solid tumors with HER2 alterations. About non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Lung cancer claims more lives than any other cancer type and the incidence is set to increase to over 3 million cases worldwide by 2040.2 NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer.3 Due to a lack of symptoms and misdiagnoses,4 most patients diagnosed with NSCLC present at stage III or IV, where the disease has metastasized locally or to other organs.5 Fewer than 3 in 10 patients are alive five years after a diagnosis of HER2 ( ERBB2)-mutant advanced NSCLC.6 People living with advanced NSCLC can experience a detrimental physical, psychological, and emotional impact on their daily lives. There remains a high unmet need for additional treatment options for people living with advanced NSCLC. HER2 ( ERBB2) mutations occur in approximately 2–4% of NSCLC cases and are associated with a poor prognosis and higher incidence of brain metastases.7,8 Mutations in HER2 ( ERBB2) can lead to overexpression and overactivation, which can in turn result in uncontrolled cell production, inhibition of cell death and promotion of tumor growth and spread.9 About Boehringer Ingelheim in oncology We have a clear aspiration – to transform the lives of people with cancer by delivering meaningful advances, with the ultimate goal of curing a range of cancers. Boehringer Ingelheim's generational commitment to driving scientific innovation is reflected by the company's robust pipeline of cancer cell-directed and immuno-oncology investigational therapies, as well as the smart combination of these approaches. Boehringer's ambition in oncology is to take a diligent and broad approach, creating a collaborative research network to tap into a diversity of minds, which is vital in addressing some of the most challenging, but potentially most impactful, areas of cancer research. Simply put, for Boehringer Ingelheim, cancer care is personal, today and for generations. About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at 1Nützinger J, Lee JB, Low JL, et al. Lung Cancer. 2023;186:107385. doi:10.1016/ 2International Agency for Research on Cancer – World Health Organization. Rates of trachea, bronchus and lung cancer. Available at: (Accessed: January 2025). 3Zappa C & Mousa Non-small cell lung cancer: current treatment and future advances, Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2016 Jun; 5(3): 288–300. 4American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer Available at: (Accessed: January 2025). 5Casal-Mouriño, A. et al. Epidemiology of stage III lung cancer: frequency, diagnostic characteristics, and survival. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2021;10(1):506-518. 6National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). (Accessed: January 2025). 7Baraibar I, et al. Novel drugs targeting EGFR and HER2 exon 20 mutations in metastatic NSCLC. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2020;148:102906. 8Li, B.T. et al. Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Mutant Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2022;386:241–51. 9Galogre M, et al. A review of HER2 overexpression and somatic mutations in cancers, Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, Volume 186, 2023, 103997
