Congratulations to Re-Vana Therapeutics who this week announced their collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop long-acting ophthalmic therapies. The landmark deal, valued at an estimated $1 billion, marks a major milestone for Belfast-based biotech platform company Re-Vana Therapeutics ( a Queen’s University Belfast spin-out) and its international Pharma partner, Boehringer Ingelheim.
This deal sends a strong vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, particularly the quality of the science, talent base and commercial potential inherent within our growing life sciences and healthcare sectors. It also underscores the region’s increasing appeal to global investors, in this under-explored region. This deal could pave the way for further high-value collaborations, reinforcing Northern Ireland’s position as an emerging hub for medical and pharmaceutical innovation.
Michael O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Re-Vana, described the partnership as a “transformational moment” for the company:
“The strategic collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim marks a transformational moment for Re-Vana. By combining our extended-release platform with Boehringer Ingelheim’s world-class research and development capabilities and eye health pipeline, we strive to bring forward a new generation of long-acting treatments for eye diseases that offer significant clinical and quality-of-life benefits for patients,” he said.
Michael is also a strong supporter of the Northern Ireland life sciences ecosystem, as a mentor on our HIRANI Launchpad programme and providing expert insights on drug discovery and commercialisation at HIRANI events.
Re-Vana, a spin-out from Queen’s University Belfast and backed by venture capital, has developed proprietary sustained-release drug delivery platforms — EyeLief® and OcuLief® — designed to extend the delivery of biologics, peptides, and small and large molecules within the eye for up to 12 months without the need for surgery. The EyeLief® system is a pre-formed implant designed to deliver low-dose therapeutics, while OcuLief® is an in-situ forming gel intended for higher-dose delivery, both offering customisable and biodegradable solutions for intravitreal administration.
The collaboration reinforces Re-Vana’s position as a leader in next-generation ophthalmic therapies and further highlights Northern Ireland’s growing role in global life sciences innovation.
