Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma Collaborate on Autoimmune Disease Therapy
April 14, 2025 – Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven pharmaceutical company based in Ingelheim, Germany, and Cue Biopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Boston, have announced an ambitious research collaboration and licensing agreement. The partnership aims to develop and commercialize Cue Biopharma’s CUE-501 product candidate, a novel B cell depletion therapy for autoimmune diseases.
About Cue Biopharma and CUE-501
Cue Biopharma is a pioneering biotech company specializing in the development of a unique class of therapeutic biologics. These biologics are designed to selectively engage and modulate disease-specific T cells, offering potential treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
CUE-501, the product candidate at the heart of the collaboration, is a differentiated B cell depletion therapy. It stands out from existing therapies due to its targeted approach, selectively eliminating B cells involved in the immune response against self-antigens. This targeted approach is expected to minimize the side effects associated with broad B cell depletion.
Collaboration Details
Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize CUE-501 for autoimmune diseases. In return, Cue Biopharma will receive an upfront payment, as well as potential milestone payments and royalties on sales.
Impact on Patients
For patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, this collaboration brings hope for a more targeted and effective treatment. Traditional B cell depletion therapies have shown success in managing symptoms, but they can also cause significant side effects due to the broad depletion of B cells. CUE-501’s targeted approach may lead to a more precise treatment, potentially reducing side effects and improving overall patient outcomes.
Impact on the World
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and the current treatment landscape is limited. This collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma could lead to a breakthrough in the field, offering a new and potentially more effective treatment option. The successful development and commercialization of CUE-501 could significantly impact the lives of those suffering from autoimmune diseases and reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.
Conclusion
Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma’s strategic partnership marks an exciting step forward in the development of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases. The potential of CUE-501, a selective B cell depletion therapy, to minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes is a promising development for those living with autoimmune diseases. As the collaboration progresses, we can look forward to the potential of a more precise and effective treatment option, ultimately improving the lives of millions around the world.
- Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma announce collaboration on CUE-501, a selective B cell depletion therapy for autoimmune diseases.
- Cue Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel biologics to selectively engage and modulate disease-specific T cells.
- CUE-501 is a differentiated B cell depletion therapy with a targeted approach, minimizing side effects associated with broad B cell depletion.
- Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize CUE-501 for autoimmune diseases.
- The collaboration could lead to a more precise and effective treatment option for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.
- The successful development and commercialization of CUE-501 could significantly impact the lives of millions worldwide and reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.