China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKEX:2096), announced on Tuesday that it has signed a licence and collaboration agreement with Germany-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim to develop SIM0709, a pre-clinical TL1A/IL23p19 bispecific antibody from Simcere, for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

SIM0709 is a long-acting humanised bispecific antibody developed by Simcere using its proprietary multi-specific antibody platform. It simultaneously targets tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 15 (TL1A) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), thereby blocking two core pathways that drive the onset and progression of IBD.

Under the terms of the agreement Boehringer receives global rights to the asset, excluding greater China. Simcere is eligible to receive an upfront payment and success-based development, regulatory and sales milestones up to EUR1,058m, as well as royalties on net sales outside the Greater China territory.