Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma have reached an exclusive global license and transfer agreement for the commercialization and further development of Spevigo, a proprietary form of spesolimab.1 The deal—expected to close in the second half of 2025—will involve Boehringer Ingelheim receiving $105.2 million (€90 million) upfront, and additional payment for tiered royalties and milestones that are met.
Spevigo targets IL-36 pathway in treating GPP
Spevigo is a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the interleukin-36 (IL-36) receptor, a critical immune system pathway involved in the development of several autoinflammatory conditions, such as generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). GPP is a rare and life-threatening skin condition that can be life-threatening at times. It is defined by painful pustules that are caused by buildup of neutrophils (type of white blood cell) in the skin. Although its severity and frequency can vary, some patients suffer from recurring flares with systemic symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, while others can endure ongoing disease with occasional flare-ups.
Key Takeaways
- LEO Pharma has secured exclusive global rights to Spevigo through a $105.2 million (€90 million) deal with Boehringer Ingelheim, positioning it to lead commercialization and further development of the IL-36–targeting therapy for generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and potentially other skin conditions.
- Spevigo is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-36 receptor, a key immune pathway involved in GPP, a rare and potentially life-threatening skin disease characterized by painful pustules and systemic symptoms.
- The agreement reflects a strategic alignment between both companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim’s innovation in immunology with LEO Pharma’s dermatology expertise to increase global access to treatment for underserved patient populations.
LEO Pharma to lead global commercialization of Spevigo
This specific agreement opens up the door for other opportunities beyond just GPP, including the chance to examine spesolimab’s potential to treat other skin conditions with high unmet medical need that involve IL-36.
LEO Pharma will head the commercialization and Spevigo’s advancement efforts when it comes to utilizing its commercial platform within the medical dermatology space. The goal will be not only to boost disease awareness, but to grant access for patients suffering from GPP. Overall, note the involved parties, the addition of Boehringer Ingelheim’s flagship dermatology treatment for GPP augments LEO Pharma’s strategic dermatology portfolio, while also boosting its commitment to offering transformative therapies for patients.
“We are immensely proud of what Spevigo represents for people living with GPP and bringing innovation to this community of patients has been a powerful reflection of our purpose to transform lives,” commented Shashank Deshpande, chairman of the board of managing directors and head of human pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Spevigo holds a significant promise, and ensuring it reaches its full potential requires continued focus, and expertise in medical dermatology. With over six decades of singular dedication to this field, LEO Pharma is exceptionally well-positioned to build on the strong foundation we’ve laid. We remain profoundly grateful to the patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who have walked this journey with us.”
Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma’s CEO, also expressed the value in treating these dermatological diseases.
“Skin diseases can profoundly impact people’s lives, and at LEO Pharma, we are here to change that,” he said. “Partnering to bring Spevigo to more patients is more than a strategic step—it means the opportunity to help people living with GPP by addressing a disease with limited treatment options and aiming to improve their quality of life. We are inspired by Boehringer Ingelheim’s pioneering efforts and thrilled to build on that foundation. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to expand access to innovative care and deliver meaningful progress for patients who have long been underserved.”
Boehringer Ingelheim expands oncology capabilities with new ADC facility
The latest Boehringer Ingelheim news comes off the company’s unveiling of a new $31.5 million, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research and development plant in Basel, Switzerland.2 The new facility is expected to serve as a main hub for growing the development of ADCs; it is also designed to accelerate progress on next-generation cancer therapies. The pharma company has been making waves on the pharma front, after reaching a licensing agreement with Synaffix B.V. that can total as much as $1.3 billion licensing agreement if specific milestones are reached.
References
1. Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma enter partnership to commercialize and further develop Spevigo (spesolimab). LEO Pharma. July 14, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.leo-pharma.com/media-center/news/2025-boehringer-ingelheim-and-leo-pharma-enter-partnership
2. Tracy D. Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma enter partnership to commercialize and further develop Spevigo (spesolimab). Pharmaceutical Commerce. April 7, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/boehringer-ingelheim-opens-31-5-million-oncology-antibody-drug-conjugate-facility-switzerland
