Boehringer Ingelheim returns development and commercial rights of olmutinib to Hanmi Pharmaceutical

On September 30, 2016 Boehringer Ingelheim reported that development and global commercialization rights of olmutinib, a third-generation EGFR targeted therapy, will be returned to Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (Press release, Boehringer Ingelheim, SEP 30, 2016, http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news_events/press_releases/press_release_archive/2016/9-30-2016-boehringer-ingelheim-returns-development-commercial-rights-olmutinib-hanmi-pharmaceutical.html [SID:SID1234515686]).

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The decision is based on a re-evaluation of all available clinical data on olmutinib and recent treatment advances made in the treatment of EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer. Boehringer Ingelheim will not initiate new clinical trials for this compound and will work closely with Hanmi Pharmaceutical to ensure a seamless transition of the responsibilities of the current olmutinib clinical development program back to Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

Dr. Jörg Barth, Corporate Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim said, "We would like to thank Hanmi Pharmaceutical for their collaboration and commitment during our joint development of olmutinib. Partnering is a key pillar of our oncology strategy at all stages of research and development, in order to offer cancer treatments that fit the needs of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology pipeline is robust and transformative, with several compounds currently in clinical development and we strive for best-in-class, breakthrough cancer medications."

Boehringer Ingelheim has successfully launched two products for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which have been widely adopted and established as important additions to current clinical practice. The company continues to increase its investment in research and development and a third of Boehringer Ingelheim’s human pharmaceutical pipeline, that is planned to enter phase I clinical trials in the next 12 months, is in oncology.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s oncology pipeline is built on in-house scientific innovation as well as strong academic and industry collaborations. Two recent examples include a partnership with ViraTherapeutics to develop novel cancer treatments based on oncolytic viruses, with an option to acquire the company at a later time point. The other strategic collaboration is with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) that brings together Boehringer Ingelheim’s extensive experience in cancer drug development and SCRI’s expertise in designing and executing clinical trials of investigational oncology drugs.