BI and Arena Collaborate to Treat Mental Illness

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI; Ingelheim, Germany) and Arena Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA) have signed an agreement to conduct joint research to advance the treatment of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

The companies will collaborate to identify drug candidates targeting an undisclosed G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which belongs to the group of orphan CNS receptors. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Arena is eligible to receive payments up to $262 million in success milestones in case of full commercial success of multiple drug products, including an upfront payment and research funding. In addition, Arena is eligible to receive tiered royalties on future sales of products that arise from the collaboration.