By Fineline Cube 
Germany’s Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) has entered into a strategic agreement with US-based Cue Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: CUE) to jointly develop and commercialize CUE-501, an innovative B cell depletion therapy for autoimmune diseases. This collaboration aims to advance a novel therapeutic approach that selectively targets B cells while engaging virus-specific memory killer T cells, potentially offering improved efficacy and safety.
CUE-501: Mechanism and Innovation
CUE-501 is a preclinical candidate molecule designed to bind to a B cell-specific membrane protein while simultaneously engaging virus-specific memory killer T cells. This dual action enables the selective depletion of B cells and the modulation of autoimmune and inflammatory processes. The therapy represents a promising advancement over existing B cell-targeting approaches, which often lack the precision and safety profile of CUE-501.
Collaboration Terms and Financials
Under the multi-year agreement, Cue Biopharma will receive an upfront payment of USD 12 million, along with research support payments. The company is also eligible to earn up to approximately USD 345 million in milestone-based payments tied to research, development, and commercialization outcomes. The collaboration includes provisions for expanding research into various B cell-targeting bispecifics, potentially broadening the therapeutic scope to include multiple autoimmune conditions.-Fineline Info & Tech