Palatin recieves $6.5 million milestone payment from partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim | Ophthalmology Times

Palatin Technologies announced the achievement of a research milestone under its collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which triggers a €5.5 million ($6.5 million) payment to Palatin.¹

The partnership was announced in August of this year² and under the terms of the agreement, Palatin received upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments of up to approximately $326.8 million (€280 million), as well as tiered royalties on net sales

The partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim will help to develop potential first-in-class melanocortin receptor–targeted treatments for patients with retinal diseases.

Carl Spana, PhD, president and CEO of Palatin, commented on the milestone in a press release from the company, saying, “We are very pleased to reach this milestone and continue building momentum with Boehringer Ingelheim. Melanocortin receptor agonists represent a differentiated and promising approach to address the underlying drivers of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which affect an estimated one in three people living with diabetes.”

The melanocortin receptor (MCR) system regulates inflammation, immune responses, and metabolism. The company notes that receptor-specific agonists represent a novel therapeutic approach with potential applications in multiple diseases, including retinal disorders.

“This collaboration with Boehringer further validates the promise of our portfolio of melanocortin agonists and the possibility of unlocking tremendous clinical and commercial potential in retinal health. Boehringer’s expertise in advancing innovative health care products, combined with its global commercial reach, make them the ideal strategic partner to accelerate this research program in DR and DME for the potential benefit of patients worldwide.” – Spana

Additionally, Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced a $1 billion collaboration and license agreement with Re-Vana Therapeutics to develop first-in-class extended-release therapies for eye diseases.³ The terms of that agreement grant Boehringer Ingelheim target exclusivity and provide for upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments to Re-Vana, with the total potential deal value exceeding $1 billion for the initial three targets, in addition to royalty payments on net sales.

References:

1. Palatin Earns €5.5 Million ($6.5 Million) Milestone Payment in Retinal Disease Collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. Published September 22, 2025. Accessed September 22, 2025. https://palatin.com/press_releases/palatin-earns-e5-5-million-6-5-million-milestone-payment-in-retinal-disease-collaboration-with-boehringer-ingelheim/

2. Harp MD. Boehringer Ingelheim and Palatin Technologies enter into a global research collaboration and licensing agreement. Published August 18, 2025. Accessed September 22, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/boehringer-ingelheim-and-palatin-technologies-enter-into-a-global-research-collaboration-and-licensing-agreement

3. Charters L. Re-Vana and Boehringer Ingelheim launch $1B collaboration to develop extended-release eye therapies. Published July 28, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/re-vana-and-boehringer-ingelheim-launch-1b-collaboration-to-develop-extended-release-eye-therapies