Boehringer Ingelheim highlights robust respiratory R&D pipeline; announces investment

At its 3rd International Research & Development press conference, family-owned German drug major Boehringer Ingelheim unveiled a pipeline of unique asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer compounds that builds on the company's vast respiratory experience over many decades.

One of the best explored and profiled areas in respiratory R&D at Boehringer Ingelheim is bronchodilation, the key treatment target in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The biggest research success in this area to date is tiotropium, which has been marketed for ten years under the brand name Spiriva. Tiotropium was the first inhaled once-daily anticholinergic (LAMA) to provide 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD and with 25 million patient years' experience, it is the most prescribed COPD therapy worldwide. The company's research strategy steps forward to maintain its leading position in bronchodilation research with an additional focus towards the understanding of chronic respiratory disease progression and the subsequent long-term consequences of the disease.

At the press conference, Andreas Barner, chairman of the board of managing directors at Boehringer Ingelheim, and scientist within the company’s own R&D division in Biberach, Germany, revealed details of the company’s extensive overall pipeline.