Boehringer Ingelheim and Fraunhofer IME launch collaboration

Ingelheim, Germany, September 30, 2020 – Boehringer Ingelheim and Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME announce their newly formed collaboration that aims to provide novel, microbial-based natural products for development of next generation animal health products fighting parasitic diseases. The research project will capitalize on a well-characterized microbial strain collection from Fraunhofer, in major parts isolated from invertebrate associated environments.

“Enhancing the well-being of animals and humans whose lives are so deeply interconnected is a priority for us at Boehringer Ingelheim. We strive to provide naturally derived and environmentally sustainable parasiticides to make a positive difference in animals’ lives through groundbreaking innovation,” said Paul Selzer, Head of Molecular Discovery at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

“Fraunhofer is an experienced organization, well known to be able to successfully identify new lead structures by using organisms as biological resource. Within this new partnership, we will integrate the Fraunhofer Natural Product Discovery Platform into our parasiticides innovation program. This exciting project is the first of our new strategic collaborations which we are actively expanding.”

This collaboration is one of many efforts within Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to contribute to a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

“Having previously focused on projects in human pharma and crop protection, we are now eager for our technologies to enter the veterinary sector. Bringing together the expertise within both Fraunhofer and Boehringer Ingelheim, we will leverage the discovery of new natural-product chemistries as starting points to develop naturally derived animal health solutions,” commented Till Schäberle, Department head Natural Products, Fraunhofer IME. “We appreciate the trust that Boehringer Ingelheim puts in our ideas on how to approach biodiversity, since the usage of bioresources has to be necessarily facilitated by advancing existing and developing new technologies. We believe that our state-of-the-art Natural Product Discovery Platform and especially our analytical capabilities will promote the efficient discovery of new bioactive lead structures.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, with over 530 employees at its six sites in Schmallenberg, Aachen, Gießen, Münster, Frankfurt/Main and Hamburg conducts research in the field of applied life sciences from a molecular level to entire ecosystems, in the areas of pharmacy, medicine, chemistry, agriculture, as well as environmental and consumer protection. Our mission is the development and use of novel technologies for diagnosis and therapy of human and animal diseases as well as the protection of crop plants and food sources.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 10,000 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment is at the heart of what we do. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society-threatening diseases.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of 4 billion euros in 2019 and presence in more than 150 countries. For more information visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found on www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

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