The payment triggers Boehringer Ingelheim’s recent advancement of a small molecule inhibitor of 11beta-HSD-1 into Phase I clinical trials.
Vitae Pharma’s 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)-1 is targeted for the treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome-related diseases in a strategic alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim.
Earlier, Vitae Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim entered into a strategic alliance in October of 2007 for 11beta-HSD-1.
As per the terms of that agreement, the companies combined their respective research programs, working together to identify and advance novel 11beta-HSD-1 inhibitors.
So far, under the collaboration, Vitae Pharma has received milestone payments of $26m of a potential $300m.
Vitae is also eligible to receive royalty payments from Boehringer Ingelheim on sales of products commercialised under the contract,
Richard Gregg, chief scientific officer of Vitae Pharma, said: “Inhibition of 11beta-HSD-1 represents an important new mechanism of action for treating diabetic patients. This program addresses several features of the metabolic syndrome, a combination of disorders, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, all of which contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
“Boehringer Ingelheim and Vitae have worked well together on this program. We are very pleased with the quality of the lead candidate and look forward to further building its profile as it advances in the clinic.”