Zealand Pharma, specializing in the discovery, design and development of peptide medicines, and Boehringer Ingelheim have announced a new global R&D collaboration. The collaboration covers a novel therapeutic peptide project from Zealand’s portfolio of preclinical programs. The aim is to develop novel medicines for improved treatment of cardio-metabolic diseases. The target is undisclosed.

This is the second collaboration between Zealand and Boehringer Ingelheim following the first agreement, which was signed in June 2011. The first collaboration is ongoing for the development and commercialization of novel glucagon/GLP-1 dual-acting peptide therapeutics to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.

Zealand and Boehringer Ingelheim will combine their research experience for up to four and a half years focusing on the continued discovery, identification and characterization of novel peptide medicine candidates within the selected therapeutic target area of cardio-metabolic disease. The companies will work together to advance the therapeutic peptides stemming from this research collaboration into preclinical development. Boehringer Ingelheim will be responsible for the conduct of preclinical and clinical development as well as for the commercialization and solely fund the research, development and commercialization of products under the agreement.

Zealand is eligible to receive potential payments of up to a total of $394.5 million for the first compound developed and marketed under the collaboration. Zealand will be eligible to receive additional milestones for other compounds advanced. Further, Zealand is entitled to research funding plus tiered royalties on global sales of products stemming from the collaboration. Zealand retains co-commercialization rights in Scandinavia.