Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma have signed an exclusive global license and transfer agreement to commercialize and advance the development of SPEVIGO (spesolimab), a humanized and selective monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks the activation of the interleukin-36 (IL-36) receptor—a key signaling pathway in the immune system implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoinflammatory diseases, including generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).

This partnership extends beyond GPP, with an opportunity to investigate the potential of spesolimab in additional skin conditions with high unmet medical need in which IL-36 is implicated.

Under the terms of the agreement, LEO Pharma will be responsible for the commercialization and further development of SPEVIGO, leveraging its global commercial platform within medical dermatology to raise disease awareness and secure access for patients with GPP. The addition SPEVIGO for the treatment of GPP complements LEO Pharma’s existing strategic dermatology portfolio and reinforces its long-standing commitment to delivering transformational medicines to 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,” said 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.”

“Skin diseases can profoundly impact people’s lives, and at LEO Pharma, we are here to change that,” said Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma. “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.”

The transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, subject to merger control clearance, with Boehringer Ingelheim set to receive EUR 90 million as upfront payment, along with milestone payments and tiered royalties.