Boehringer Ingelheim And Hydra Biosciences To Collaborate On Small-Molecule Inhibitors

Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences announced in a press release that they have entered into an agreement to develop small-molecule TRPC4/5 inhibitors for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders. Hydra Biosciences is a Massachusetts company focused on treatments for pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Boehringer Ingelheim is a German company developing high therapeutic value medications. Russell Herndon, President and CEO of Hydra Biosciences said, “The combination of Hydra’s unique understanding of TRP channels and BI’s proven research, development, and commercialization capabilities provides an excellent opportunity to maximize the potential of these novel targets."

Boehringer Ingelheim and Hydra Biosciences Agreement

Under the terms of the new agreement, both parties agree to work together to develop candidate inhibitors. Boehringer Ingelheim will develop and market agents developed from the partnership and will compensate Hydra with research funding, upfront payments, milestone, and royalty payments. 

Small-Molecule TRPC4/5 Inhibitors

Small-molecule TRPC4/5 inhibitors are a pre-clinical candidate for both companies, having met internal selection criteria. The agents show promise for treatment of depression, anxiety, and nephropathy. A study published in the Cell journal titled, “Essential Role for TRPC5 in Amygdala Function and Fear-Related Behavior,” showed the role of the TRPC5 (transient receptor potential channel 5) in mediating fear in mice. The study suggests that inhibiting TRPC5 may help anxiety patients control learned and innate fear behaviors, resulting in less anxiety. 

Another study with positive evidence for TRPC4/5 inhibitors was published in the Nature Reviews Drug Discovery journal titled, “Transient receptor potential channels as therapeutic targets.” The paper states that transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels are valuable drug targets and have been pursued in recent years. The TRP channels are candidates for pathophysiology and physiology, and show promise for genetic treatments as they are implicated in several inherited diseases. 

Hydra Biosciences and Boehringer Ingelheim

Hydra Biosciences is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is privately-held. Hydra has a significant intellectual property portfolio with over 74 patents filed. Boehringer Ingelheim is based in Ingelheim, Germany. It is a family-owned company, established in 1885. The company has 142 affiliates and over 47,000 employees.