BioMed X and Boehringer Ingelheim have launched a new research team at XSeed Labs, the innovation incubator embedded within Boehringer Ingelheim's U.S. research and development headquarters in Ridgefield, targeting next-generation intraocular biologics for vision-threatening retinal conditions.
The new team, designated Team NIB (New Platform for Next-Generation Intraocular Biologics), is led by BioMed X boot camp winner Dr. Deniz Ugurlu Cimen, a molecular and cell biologist specializing in stem cell-based disease modeling. The team's focus is developing a human organotypic in vitro platform technology to enable more predictive, human-relevant biologics discovery. The platform will integrate stem cell engineering, functional genomics, and advanced three-dimensional human model systems, with Dr. Ugurlu Cimen guiding an interdisciplinary team spanning stem cell biology, biomaterials, and micro-physiological systems. Retinal conditions are a leading cause of irreversible vision loss globally, with many patients still lacking treatment options.
"By building more predictive human-based models, the collaboration aims to enhance translational success and help bring innovative therapies to patients faster," said Remko Bakker, Global Head of Eye Health and Research Beyond Borders at Boehringer Ingelheim.
"Progress in intraocular therapeutics depends on models that can meaningfully test and challenge new drug designs," said Dr. Deniz Ugurlu Cimen. "We are building a human in vitro eye model that captures essential physiological features to improve the predictive power of therapeutic discovery, supported by an interdisciplinary approach across biology and engineering."
"At Boehringer Ingelheim, we connect people and science to research some of today's most pressing health challenges," said Nazzareno Dimasi, Global Head of Biotherapeutics Discovery at Boehringer Ingelheim. "By combining our deep expertise in biologics with BioMed X's innovation model, we are helping advance new approaches that may expand what's possible in drug discovery and help accelerate delivery of new therapies to patients."
"Two years after unveiling our first research team at Boehringer Ingelheim's Ridgefield R&D site, we are thrilled to expand our joint XSeed Labs incubator on the company's campus and into a new area," said Mark Johnston, CEO of BioMed X USA. "This extended collaboration is proof that installing our BioMed X model within the campus of a major pharmaceutical company can indeed add value to their internal R&D."
BioMed X embeds research teams directly into pharmaceutical research and development environments, partnering with pharma, venture capital, and patient-focused foundations across therapeutic areas. XSeed Labs marks the program's expansion into a second research focus at Boehringer Ingelheim's Ridgefield campus.
