Ingelheim, Germany, August,11, 2026
Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Evax AG, a Swiss biotechnology company focused on equine health, expanding the pharmaceutical company’s animal-health pipeline with innovative therapeutic vaccine technology. Founded more than a decade ago at the University of Zurich, Evax has been developing therapeutic vaccines aimed at addressing significant unmet needs in horses, particularly allergic skin diseases. The acquisition strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s focus on innovative preventive and therapeutic solutions and adds a promising virus-like particle technology platform to its equine health portfolio. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Evax Advances Therapeutic Vaccines for Horses
Evax has been exploring the use of therapeutic vaccines to address challenging allergic and dermatologic conditions in horses. Allergies and skin disorders are common among horses and can significantly affect their health and well-being. Existing management approaches can be time-consuming and may provide only temporary relief, with options including shampoos and topical treatments. Some therapies, such as corticosteroids, may also be associated with safety concerns. Evax’s approach is designed to target the underlying cause of allergic disease rather than relying solely on symptom management.
The company’s therapeutic vaccine technology incorporates virus-like particles, which are designed to stimulate the horse’s immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies. By targeting disease mechanisms through an immune-based approach, the technology could potentially provide a longer duration of action and improve treatment outcomes and convenience for horse owners. Boehringer Ingelheim said the acquisition provides an opportunity to advance these innovative treatments through the next stages of development and potentially address areas where current treatment options remain limited.
Boehringer Ingelheim Expands Animal Health Pipeline
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The acquisition of Evax builds on Boehringer Ingelheim’s long-term investment in therapeutic vaccine development. The company has previously pursued similar technologies through its collaboration with and subsequent acquisition of Saiba Animal Health in 2024. The addition of Evax further supports the company’s strategy of developing innovative solutions for both preventive and therapeutic applications in animal health.
Knut Elbers, Head of Global Innovation, Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, said the acquisition advances the company’s strategy to drive breakthrough innovation across its preventive and therapeutic portfolio. According to Boehringer Ingelheim, virus-like particle technology represents an innovative approach with potential applications in areas of high unmet medical need, including chronic diseases in pets and allergy-related disorders in horses. The company believes the technology could contribute to improved animal health and well-being as development progresses.
Focus on Unmet Needs in Equine Health
Evax CEO and Founder Dr. Antonia Gabriel said joining Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health will provide access to the company’s innovation, supply and commercial expertise as the technology moves into its next development phases. The combination of Evax’s biotechnology platform with Boehringer Ingelheim’s global animal-health capabilities could support further development and eventual commercialization of novel therapeutic options for horses.Saskia Kley, Global Head of Equine at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the potential of providing horse owners with an innovative therapeutic option for allergic skin diseases that targets the underlying cause of the condition. If successfully developed, such an approach could potentially offer longer-lasting treatment effects, improved outcomes and greater convenience.
The acquisition demonstrates continued investment in animal-health biotechnology and veterinary therapeutics, particularly technologies designed to address chronic and difficult-to-treat conditions. With Evax now part of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, the companies aim to advance therapeutic vaccine research for horses while strengthening the broader pipeline of innovative solutions for animals. The transaction terms were not disclosed, and future development and regulatory progress will determine the potential availability of these therapies in the equine market.
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim press release
