A global collaboration agreement has been signed between AbbVie and Boehringer Ingelheim to develop and commercialize BI 655066, an anti-IL-23 monoclonal biologic antibody in Phase 3 development for psoriasis. AbbVie will be responsible for commercialization of BI 655066, while Boehringer Ingelheim will retain an option to co-promote the compound in asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim will receive an initial upfront payment of US$ 595 million. In the initial period, the companies will share the responsibility for future development of the molecule. The companies will also establish a joint Steering Committee for the development.