Boehringer Ingelheim partners with Envisagenics to identify precision cancer targets in 2026
The collaboration will assess selected targets for several therapeutic approaches, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies and T cell engagers (TcEs).
GERMANY—Boehringer Ingelheim and Envisagenics have entered a research collaboration and option agreement to identify and validate tumor-specific targets for potential precision therapies for solid tumours.
Under the agreement, Envisagenics could receive more than US$1 billion in potential payments, including an upfront payment, research funding, option fees, development and regulatory milestones, commercialization payments, and royalties on future sales.
Using AI to identify cancer targets
The multi-year collaboration will focus on targets identified through Envisagenics’ SpliceCore AI platform.
The technology analyses alternative ribonucleic acid (RNA) splicing events to identify biological differences between cancer cells and normal cells.
Alternative RNA splicing is a process in which cells produce different forms of RNA from the same gene.
Envisagenics uses its platform to analyze these changes and identify potential targets that may be specific to tumour cells.
The companies will select and validate targets that could support the development of therapies designed to recognise and attack cancer cells while limiting effects on healthy tissue.
Envisagenics said its SpliceCore platform can screen more than 14 million alternative splicing events to predict the suitability of potential therapeutic targets.
The company is also developing programmes in oncology and neurodegeneration.
Potential oncology applications
The collaboration will assess selected targets for several therapeutic approaches, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, and T cell engagers (TcEs).
Following the research phase, Boehringer Ingelheim will have the option to license selected targets on an exclusive basis for further development and commercialization.
Mark Petronczki, global head of oncology research at Boehringer Ingelheim, said working with external partners is an important part of the company’s approach to expanding its oncology pipeline.
He said alternative RNA splicing could provide access to a relatively unexplored area for identifying new cancer targets and highlighted Envisagenics’ technology as a way to investigate it.
Petronczki added that the collaboration will focus on identifying tumour selective targets that could support the development of new cancer therapies.
Expanding cancer research partnerships
The agreement adds to Boehringer Ingelheim’s ongoing efforts to develop therapies that selectively target cancer cells.
In June 2026, the company signed a research collaboration agreement with Combotope Therapeutics to advance tumour selective antibody therapies for cancer.
The latest agreement with Envisagenics gives Boehringer access to targets generated through the SpliceCore platform while allowing Envisagenics to continue advancing its research programmes.
The companies will work together over several years to validate selected targets and determine their potential for further therapeutic development.
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