BOEHRINGER-INGELHEIM
Boehringer Ingelheim today announced the acquisition of Abexxa Biologics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company taking a new approach in the fields of immuno-oncology and oncology research to develop the next generation of precision medicines designed to revolutionize cancer treatments. The acquisition will allow Boehringer Ingelheim to access Abexxa’s expertise in targeting cancer-specific proteins that are located inside the cell, rather than those expressed on the cell membrane. This enlarges the pool of potential cancer antigen targets. In particular, Abexxa’s technology could lead to the development of cancer immunotherapies that are effective in a broader range of patients and cancer types.
“The acquisition of Abexxa bolsters our commitment to tumor-antigen discovery and new ways of targeting intracellular antigens. Their cutting-edge know-how and technologies for antigen discovery and novel antibody generation strongly complement the current approaches we have been applying successfully to enable immune-targeting of cancer cells,” said Clive R. Wood, Ph.D., corporate senior vice president and global head of discovery research, Boehringer Ingelheim. “By expanding our portfolio of antibodies binding novel intracellular tumor antigens, we are striving to develop unique and broadly applicable new immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer patients,” added Wood.
Abexxa’s innovative platform unlocks the ability to target intracellular antigens of cancer cells by recognizing their presentation on the cell surface by MHC class 1 molecules. While the Abexxa platform addresses the more common HLA-A2 peptide presentation, the company has developed specific expertise in the nonclassical MHC class 1 molecule HLA-E, which has the potential to impact a broader set of cancer patients’ antigens. More specifically, Abexxa has developed a first-in-class T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody that can be used to disrupt the NKG2A:HLA-E immune checkpoint axis in oncology. Abexxa molecules are also being formulated to recruit immune cells targeting HLA-E peptide complexes on tumors.
In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Venture Fund, the arm of the company that invests in ground-breaking therapeutic and digital health approaches, awarded Abexxa initial investment funding. Later that year, Abexxa won Boehringer Ingelheim’s Innovation Prize, which facilitates business growth and rewards new companies for their dedication to innovation. The prize allowed Abexxa to expand operations into a shared lab space in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to continue its research. Boehringer Ingelheim’s investment in Abexxa demonstrates how the company is seeking to foster innovation across leading biotech communities, including the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area.
“The investment by Boehringer Ingelheim’s Venture Fund in 2016 was a defining moment for Abexxa,” said Debra Wawro Weidanz, co-founder and CEO of Abexxa. “The acquisition by Boehringer Ingelheim allows our team to access the company’s expertise and capabilities in immuno-oncology and antibody development and to have the opportunity to translate Abexxa technology into a clinical asset,” said Jon Weidanz, Ph.D., co-founder and CSO of Abexxa.
This transaction is the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions and collaborations that reinforce Boehringer Ingelheim’s overall oncology strategy, bringing together cancer immunology and cancer cell directed therapies to fight cancer. This strategy has further strengthened Boehringer Ingelheim’s position in oncology through the development of leading assets and robust capabilities in cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, T-cell engagers, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and myeloid and stromal cell modulators. By combining its world-class in-house research and development with that of highly innovative biotechnology companies like Abexxa, Boehringer Ingelheim is developing innovative cancer immunology therapies and accelerating the delivery of the next generation of cancer treatments.
Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim’s innovation in oncology here .
The total transaction includes an upfront payment, milestones and other consideration payments. Abexxa will continue to operate in the Arlington, Texas, area as a Boehringer Ingelheim family company, collaborating extensively with the colleagues at Boehringer Ingelheim’s U.S. research site in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Please click on the following link for ‘Notes to Editors’:
http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/acquisition-expands-research-cancer-immunology
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210921005613/en/
Link:
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Alta Semper Signs Definitive Agreements to Acquire a Majority Stake in Nature’s Rule, a MENA-Focused Leader in Dietary Supplements and Sports Nutrition19.1.2026 09:13:00 CET | Press release
Alta Semper, a London-based private equity firm focused on healthcare and consumer investments across growth markets, today announced that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire a majority stake in Nature’s Rule, a leading sports nutrition and dietary supplements company headquartered in the UAE, with an established manufacturing presence in Egypt. The acquisition is a majority investment in Prowell Holding, the parent company of Nature’s Rule, the operator of the largest fully dedicated sports nutrition and dietary supplements manufacturing facility in MENA. The company’s infrastructure and in-house R&D capabilities support a portfolio of private-label clients and proprietary brands, including Redrex, its flagship, market-leading sports nutrition brand developed in collaboration with global bodybuilding icon Mamdouh Elssbiay (“Big Ramy”). The founders will retain a significant stake and continue to lead the business. The partnership will execute a focused value-creation plan t
The UK Chooses Bridge Over Troubled Water as the Nation’s Favourite Song of Hope in Solidarity With Refugees19.1.2026 09:00:00 CET | Press release
Simon and Garfunkel classic named the UK’s top #HopeHitOver 1000 people from across the country nominated songs to show their solidarity with refugees around the world this winterThe most popular Hope Hits available on the Hope On Repeat playlist to get you through Blue Monday Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water has been votedas the UK’s number one #HopeHit ― as part of UK for UNHCR’s ‘Hope on Repeat’ campaign, raising awareness of the hardships facing refugees across the globe this winter. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260119165712/en/ Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water voted the UK's number one #HopeHit With 10% of the public vote, Bridge Over Troubled Water emerged as the UK’s most popular #HopeHit. Since November, the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner has invited people to nominate their #HopeHits - the tunes that connect us and warm our hearts as the weather gets cold
Prodalim Expands SOLOS Capabilities with New Dealcoholization Site in Spain19.1.2026 08:33:00 CET | Press release
Prodalim, a global leader in juice and specialty ingredients solutions, announced today the expansion of its SOLOS division with the opening of a dedicated dealcoholization and aroma recovery site in Valencia, Spain. The new facility is fully operational and strengthens Prodalim’s ability to support the rapidly growing no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverage market across Europe. During the coming months, an additional SOLOS site in California is planned to be inaugurated, further expanding overall capacity. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260118626123/en/ Inauguration of the SOLOS Valencia Site for Advanced NoLo Solutions The global NoLo category continues to expand, driven by consumer demand for mindful drinking and healthier lifestyle choices. Industry forecasts estimate the NoLo global market at approximately USD 25 billion in 2025, with expected annual growth of 8–10% as the category expands across beers, win
ENHERTU® Plus Pertuzumab Type II Variation Application Validated in the EU as First-Line Treatment of Patients with HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer19.1.2026 08:30:00 CET | Press release
Based on DESTINY-Breast09 phase 3 trial results that showed Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s ENHERTU in combination with pertuzumab significantly improved progression-free survival versus current first-line standard of care in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the Type II Variation marketing authorization application for ENHERTU® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) in combination with pertuzumab for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer. ENHERTU is a specifically engineered HER2 directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovered by Daiichi Sankyo (TSE: 4568) and being jointly developed and commercialized by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN). The validation confirms the completion of the application and commences the scientific review process by the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The application is based on data from the DESTINY
Syngenta to Address Global Agricultural Challenges at WEF, Championing AI to Empower Farmers and Create Open Technology Access19.1.2026 08:00:00 CET | Press release
AI and digital tools are unlocking unprecedented opportunities to strengthen farms and secure food security. New IPSOS study reveals technology adoption gap, underscoring urgent need for equitable technology access. Syngenta champions "Agricultural Intelligence" at World Economic Forum, showcasing Cropwise AI solutions that put cutting-edge tools in the hands of all farmers, especially smallholders. As farmers globally grapple with unprecedented economic, geopolitical, and environmental pressures; the agricultural sector faces a continued contraction. An alarming decrease in active farms worldwide and rising financial distress underscore the urgent need for innovation and technology to ensure a resilient food system. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260118646017/en/ Jeff Rowe, Syngenta Group CEO "Farmers today are navigating one of the most complex periods in modern agriculture, facing pressures that demand urg
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom