Boehringer Ingelheim acquires equine biotech Evax 

GERMANY – Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Swiss biotechnology company Evax AG, strengthening its equine health portfolio and expanding its capabilities in therapeutic vaccines designed to treat allergic skin diseases in horses.

The acquisition brings Evax’s virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine technology into Boehringer Ingelheim’s animal health business as the company seeks to address unmet medical needs in the equine sector. 

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded more than a decade ago as a spin-off from the University of Zurich, Evax has focused on developing therapeutic vaccines that stimulate a horse’s immune system to produce neutralising antibodies against the underlying causes of allergic skin diseases rather than simply managing symptoms.

Boehringer Ingelheim said the technology has the potential to offer horse owners a longer-lasting and more convenient treatment option compared with current therapies.

“We’re excited to have the potential to offer horse owners the first innovative therapeutic option for allergic skin diseases targeting the underlying cause of the disease. 

This may result in a longer duration of action, better treatment outcomes, and increased convenience and compliance,” said Saskia Kley, Global Head of Equine at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Allergic skin diseases and other dermatological conditions are common in horses and can significantly affect animal health and welfare. 

Existing treatments, including topical therapies and medicated shampoos, often require repeated applications and provide only temporary relief, while corticosteroids can raise safety concerns with prolonged use.

The acquisition builds on Boehringer Ingelheim’s broader investment in therapeutic vaccines. 

In 2024, the company strengthened its expertise in virus-like particle technology through its collaboration with and subsequent acquisition of Saiba Animal Health.

“The acquisition of Evax advances our strategy to drive breakthrough innovation in our preventive and therapeutic portfolio,” said Knut Elbers, Head of Global Innovation, Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim.

“Virus-like particle technology represents a truly innovative approach in animal health, with the potential to address areas of high unmet medical need, including chronic diseases in pets and allergy-related disorders in horses. 

Based on our research to date, we believe that this technology can play an important role in improving animal health and wellbeing.”

Evax Chief Executive Officer and Founder Dr. Antonia Gabriel said joining Boehringer Ingelheim would accelerate the development and commercialisation of its pipeline.

“We’re excited to join Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, and tap their innovation, supply and commercial expertise, as we advance through the next phases of providing novel therapeutic treatment options in areas of unmet need for horses,” Gabriel said.

The acquisition further expands Boehringer Ingelheim’s animal health innovation strategy, reinforcing its focus on developing next-generation biological solutions for companion animals, horses and livestock through advanced vaccine technologies.

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