Boehringer Ingelheim acquires ViraTherapeutics for €210m in strategic cancer immunotherapy expansion

German pharmaceutical powerhouse Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Austria-based oncolytic virus developer ViraTherapeutics for €210 million, cementing its strategic pursuit of innovative, viral-based cancer immunotherapy solutions. This acquisition, rooted in a long-standing partnership established in 2016, aims to propel the development of cutting-edge oncolytic virus therapies, particularly targeting “cold” tumors that have shown resistance to traditional checkpoint inhibitor treatments.

The two companies first collaborated to refine ViraTherapeutics’ flagship technology—oncolytic virus VSV-GP (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus glycoprotein)—as a monotherapy and in conjunction with other immunotherapies. Early-stage trials have demonstrated promising results, particularly when VSV-GP is paired with Boehringer’s own immune-modulating technologies, signaling significant potential in enhancing immune responses against difficult-to-treat cancers.

Strategic Acquisition Complements Boehringer’s Immuno-Oncology Mission

ViraTherapeutics, originally supported by EMBL Ventures and the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), brings a robust oncolytic platform with breakthrough potential in transforming immuno-resistant “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors that respond to immune-based therapies. Boehringer Ingelheim’s board member, Dr. Michel Pairet, emphasized the potential of oncolytic viruses in reshaping cancer treatment paradigms by utilizing dual approaches that combine direct tumor cell targeting with immune system activation.

The acquisition marks a significant step for Boehringer Ingelheim in its mission to establish a leading presence in immuno-oncology. “This acquisition represents not only the conclusion of our close collaboration with ViraTherapeutics but also an exciting beginning for our combined research capabilities to create new cancer treatments,” stated ViraTherapeutics CEO Dr. Heinz Schwer. He highlighted the potential of VSV-based development programs in enriching Boehringer Ingelheim’s treatment arsenal, ultimately aiming to deliver novel therapeutic options for cancer patients.

Aiming for Breakthroughs in Cancer Immunology

Boehringer Ingelheim’s acquisition reflects its strategic focus on innovative immuno-oncology solutions and emphasizes the company’s commitment to investing in early-stage research with promising outcomes. Dr. Pairet explained that the company’s approach to immuno-oncology research is designed to identify solutions for tumors that are otherwise unresponsive to existing immunotherapy methods. By transforming “cold” tumors—those lacking immune response—into “hot” tumors, the research aims to render them susceptible to immune system attacks, a revolutionary shift in cancer treatment.

Recent Milestones Bolster Boehringer Ingelheim’s Immuno-Oncology Portfolio

This acquisition follows another significant development by Boehringer Ingelheim, with recent clinical trial results indicating that its Humira biosimilar, Cyltezo, demonstrated clinical equivalence in Phase 3 trials for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. This advancement adds momentum to Boehringer Ingelheim’s expanding biologics and biosimilars pipeline, positioning the company strongly in the competitive immunotherapy landscape.