HITGEN, Boehringer Ingelheim enter DNA-encoded library based drug discovery research collaboration

CHENGDU, China: HitGen Ltd announced that the company has entered into a drug discovery research collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to identify novel small molecule leads to targets of interest to Boehringer Ingelheim.

In this collaboration, HitGen will apply its advanced technology platform, based on DNA-encoded library design, synthesis, and screening, to discover novel leads for Boehringer Ingelheim. Under the terms of the agreement, HitGen will receive upfront payments, and be eligible for milestone payments from Boehringer Ingelheim. Specific financial details were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to enter this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, a major research-based pharmaceutical company providing worldwide benefits to patients This collaboration further emphasizes the role of HitGen in the rapidly developing field of DNA-encoded chemistry. We will work closely with Boehringer Ingelheim scientists to generate new lead compounds for their research programmes to address unmet medical needs," said Dr. Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HitGen.

Prof. Eric Haaksma, Senior Vice President Research Germany, said "We are very excited about the opportunity to complement our in-house expertise in the field of small molecule therapeutics research with HitGen's DNA encoded library platform. We believe that HitGen's screening capabilities of huge chemical spaces in combination with Boehringer Ingelheim's skills in optimizing HitGen's hits to novel drugs could speed-up the provision of innovative medicines."