Boehringer license novel HIV non-catalytic integrase inhibitors to Gilead

Two of the big names in HIV/AIDS drug research and marketing, the USA’s Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) and independent German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim, have entered into a licensing agreement, under which Gilead has gained exclusive worldwide rights for the research, development and commercialization of novel non-catalytic site integrase inhibitors (NCINIs) for HIV.

This includes Boehringer’s lead compound BI 224436, which has been evaluated in a Phase Ia dose-escalation study to assess bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.

Under the terms of the accord, Gilead will make an undisclosed upfront payment to Boehringer, which could receive additional payments based upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on future net sales. Further financial terms were not disclosed.