Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and Intercell ally on vaccines

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is to collaborate with vaccines specialist Intercell on the development of new treatments for animals.

Intercell, which has previously developed human health treatments with the likes of Novartis, has granted Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica the right to use antigens developed under its proprietary Antigen Identification Program (AIP).

This agreement applies globally and will see Intercell receive an upfront payment, as well as milestone sums depending on the clinical and commercial development of the animal vaccines.

Gerd Zettlmeissl, chief executive officer (CEO) of Intercell, stated that the firm is pleased to leverage the potential of AIP beyond the human healthcare sector.

Joachim Hasenmaier, CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, added: “We are pleased to partner with Intercell and to gain access to attractive vaccine targets. We are committed to develop innovative vaccines to meet the urgent needs for the benefit of animal health.”

Last month, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica was granted approval from the European Medicines Agency for a number of new specifications for Metacam, its arthritis treatment for dogs, cats and pigs.