Boehringer Ingelheim and Vanderbilt University join forces to develop new Ras inhibitors for cancer treatment

Ridgefield, Conn., January 14, 2015 – Boehringer Ingelheim announced today that it has established a research alliance with Vanderbilt University and the cancer drug discovery laboratory of Professor Stephen W. Fesik, Ph.D., the Orrin H. Ingram, II Chair in Cancer Research and Professor of Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Chemistry. The aim of the new collaboration is the research and development of small molecule inhibitors of oncogenic Ras for the treatment of cancer. Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene known in cancer with K-Ras being the most commonly mutated form occurring in pancreas, colon, biliary tract and lung adenocarcinomas. Mutations in the Ras family (comprised of H-Ras, N-Ras and K-Ras) are very common, and found in 20 to 30 percent of all human tumors. Ras has been a particularly difficult protein to target since its discovery in human cancers more than 30 years ago.

Under the terms of the agreement, the research capabilities of Vanderbilt University and Boehringer Ingelheim will be brought together in a multi-year research program focusing on the development of small molecule inhibitors of Ras. Further details of the agreement are not being disclosed.

“We are looking forward to working together with Dr. Fesik and his team at Vanderbilt University to discover new medicines targeting the Ras protein family,” said Michel Pairet, M.D., Senior Corporate Vice President of Research and Non-clinical Development at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We believe that our combined strengths and philosophies in drug discovery will go a long way in addressing what has up to now been a very difficult drug target.”

“Professor Fesik is a pioneer in the discovery of small molecules that bind to and inhibit challenging drug target proteins. The combination of his lab’s novel techniques and the resources and expertise of Boehringer Ingelheim will result in a powerful drug discovery team,” said Lawrence J. Marnett, Ph.D., the Mary Geddes Stahlman Professor of Cancer Research, University Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry, and newly appointed associate vice chancellor for Research for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is composed of Vanderbilt University Hospital, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital, The Vanderbilt Clinic and Medical Group, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. VUMC has built a strong reputation as a leader in medical education, research and patient care throughout the Southeast and the nation over the course of its 140-year history. For more information about Vanderbilt University Medical Center, see www.mc.vanderbilt.edu.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation (Ridgefield, CT) and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates and more than 47,400 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim’s culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors.

For more information, please visit us.boehringer-ingelheim.com.