Boehringer Ingelheim and Arena Pharmaceuticals have signed an exclusive agreement to conduct joint research to identify drug candidates targeting an undisclosed G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which belongs to the group of orphan CNS receptors. An “orphan receptor” is structurally related to a family of proteins that are known to act as functional cell-surface receptors but whose ligand has not yet been identified.

Arena will provide Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive rights to its internally discovered, novel compounds and intellectual property for an orphan CNS receptor. The companies will jointly conduct research to identify additional drug candidates that are suitable for continued research and development as therapeutic compounds for various disease indications. The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize products resulting from the collaboration.

According to the World Health Organization, mental illness—together with substance abuse disorders—remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. At least 450 million people suffer from mental health problems. The global economic burden of mental illness is larger than for cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes and continues to grow—with significant health, social and economic consequences. As currently available treatment options leave many patients unsatisfactorily treated, more effective medicines for mental diseases are urgently needed.

“This agreement reflects our new corporate focus to enter into collaboration opportunities at various stages of development,” said Harry F. Hixson, Jr., Arena’s interim chief executive officer. “Collaborations are an essential part of our drug discovery and development efforts, so we are pleased to be part of this shared goal to identify novel drugs targeting an orphan CNS receptor with Boehringer Ingelheim, who possesses demonstrated capabilities in research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical products.”

“Together with our research partners in neuroscience, we are targeting brain circuits underlying major untreated symptom domains in our CNS focus areas of Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression. We are delighted to enter into this new collaboration with Arena, who have recognized expertise in orphan CNS GPCR drug discovery and development,” said Corporate Senior Vice President Clive R. Wood, head of discovery research of Boehringer Ingelheim. “We believe that this alliance with Arena will allow us to deliver innovative, new medicines for the treatment of patients with psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and contribute to our vision of helping the millions of people with mental illness, to live fuller, more independent lives, for longer.”

Arena is eligible to receive payments up to $262 million in success milestones in case of full commercial success of multiple drug products, including an upfront payment and research funding. In addition, Arena is eligible to receive tiered royalties on future sales of products that arise from the collaboration. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.