9 January 2026
ALPK1 is a cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor activated by bacterial metabolites like ADP-heptose, leading to downstream NF-κB signaling via TIFA phosphorylation. It can also be activated by alternative NDP-heptoses from diverse organisms or by mutations causing aberrant activation by mammalian nucleotide sugars, such as UDP-mannose. Mutations in ALPK1 are linked to ROSAH syndrome, suggesting its involvement in broader disease pathology beyond infectious diseases. However, the role of ALPK1 in non-infectious diseases remains poorly understood.
To explore and validate the role of ALPK1 in specific human diseases other than ROSAH and infectious diseases, we offer access to our specific small-molecule ALPK1 inhibitor, BI-4286, in quantities sufficient for proof-of-concept studies, enabling its use in disease-relevant in vitro and in vivo models.
For a chance to access BI-4286 and receive funding submit your research proposal addressing the following question:
Using suitable model systems, how would you propose to demonstrate and validate the role of ALPK1 for the following disease indications?
- Cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction
- MASH and cirrhosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Schizoaffective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia
- Myositis, sarcoidosis, coeliac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and inflammatory bowel syndrome
- Retinal diseases and glaucoma
- Endometriosis
Should your research proposal be selected as a winner, you will be able to obtain the ALPK1 inhibitor BI-4286 and you will also directly interact with Boehringer Ingelheim scientists and benefit from access to their expertise. Additionally, winning proposals should expect funding of up to 300,000 euros per submitted project in total (including direct, indirect, overhead costs) for a fruitful research collaboration.
Submit your ideas now, as your proposal can only be accepted if they arrive by March 10, 2026, 11:59 pm PST.
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About our call for “Molecules for Collaboration”:
On opnMe, we now offer BI-4286, a potent and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of ALPK1. BI-4286 can be used in vitro as well as in vivo. Demonstrate and validate the utility of ALPK1 inhibition in novel disease indications for a chance to access our molecule and get funded. Submit your proposals through March 10, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Learn more...
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open innovation portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration initiatives in areas of high unmet medical need. As part of our “Molecules to Order” pillar, we share well-characterized tool compounds free of charge with no IP strings attached. With our “opn2EXPERTS” and “techMATCH” calls, we enlist scientific advice on key biologic and technological issues to fuel further drug discovery and deliver novel solutions that benefit unmet patient needs.