Boehringer Ingelheim and EMFRET Analytics announced on Mar. 30 a cooperation and license agreement to advance the preclinical development of the GPVI-blocking antibody EMA601, a potential new treatment for stroke. University Hospital Würzburg has supported the compound’s development since its inception.
The agreement is significant because current therapies for acute stroke remain limited, with many patients experiencing poor outcomes despite advances in recanalization techniques. EMA601 targets glycoprotein VI (GPVI) on platelets, aiming to prevent thrombosis and thrombo-inflammatory disease processes without affecting essential blood coagulation—a key consideration in acute stroke care.
Research led by Professor Bernhard Nieswandt over more than two decades identified GPVI as a critical receptor involved in platelet activation following vessel injury. Early studies demonstrated that blocking GPVI could protect against thrombosis without disrupting normal hemostasis. "We are a classic bootstrapped company and built our program independently without external capital," said Dr. Valerie Orth, Chief Executive Officer of EMFRET Analytics. She added that developing EMA601 attracted Boehringer Ingelheim's strategic interest due to its potential as an antithrombotic therapy.
Preclinical research published by Nieswandt’s team showed that inhibiting GPVI reduced brain infarct size and improved neurological outcomes in animal models of stroke without increasing bleeding risk. "Our GPVI inhibitor EMA601, discovered in Würzburg, shows significant efficacy," said Nieswandt, noting its potency as a clinical candidate.
Professor Guido Stoll highlighted another advantage: "In animal studies, we were able to show that an inflammatory process – thrombo-inflammation – is triggered... This process remains active despite recanalization and allows infarcts to continue growing." Stoll suggested that EMA601 may offer promise as an adjunct therapy by limiting further tissue damage after vessel reopening procedures.
Søren Tullin of Boehringer Ingelheim said: "This collaboration represents an important step toward expanding the treatment spectrum for stroke and reflects the shared commitment of the partners to achieve meaningful advances for patients worldwide." Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, with millions affected each year.
Professor Matthias Frosch from University Hospital Würzburg concluded: "These figures underscore the need for new therapeutic approaches... I am therefore particularly pleased about this Germany-based collaboration... which brings together excellent basic research... innovative strength... and Boehringer Ingelheim's extensive expertise in clinical development." The partnership aims to move EMA601 into clinical testing if preclinical results remain promising.
