AC Immune's Phase 2 Clinical Trials Advance for Neurodegenerative Diseases

AC Immune SA, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of precision medicine for neurodegenerative disorders, has announced significant advancements in its active immunotherapy clinical trials. The company is focusing on leveraging the immune system to combat diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, aiming to delay or prevent their onset through targeted therapies.
The ABATE trial for ACI-24.060, an anti-amyloid beta vaccine candidate for Alzheimer's disease, has fully enrolled its first two cohorts, with the third expected to complete in January. The study is designed to assess the vaccine's safety and its ability to provoke an immune response against harmful amyloid-beta species. The company anticipates releasing six-month and twelve-month amyloid PET imaging data in the first and second halves of 2024, respectively.
Additionally, AC Immune's partner has initiated the ReTain Phase 2b clinical trial for ACI-35.030, an investigational immunotherapy aimed at pathological phosphorylated Tau, a protein associated with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The trial will involve approximately 500 participants and is structured to potentially expedite regulatory submission based on interim analysis results.
The VacSYn trial for ACI-7104.056, another immunotherapy candidate targeting alpha-synuclein for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, has completed the first cohort's enrollment and has moved on to the second. No safety issues have been reported thus far, and the company is looking forward to providing updates on the trial's safety and immunogenicity later in 2024.
Financially, AC Immune has secured a robust position with a recent equity financing round of USD 50 million, complemented by a milestone payment of CHF 15 million related to the ReTain trial of ACI-35.030. The company anticipates a second milestone payment in 2025, ensuring operational funding until 2026.
Dr. Andrea Pfeifer, CEO of AC Immune SA, expressed optimism about the company's progress, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible neuronal damage. She emphasized the company's commitment to developing therapies that harness the immune system in a manner akin to vaccines for infectious diseases.
AC Immune SA is dedicated to becoming a global leader in precision medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. The company's innovative technology platforms, SupraAntigen® and Morphomer®, underpin a diverse pipeline of potential treatments and diagnostics. AC Immune has established strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, securing significant funding and potential milestone payments exceeding $3 billion.
The company's focus on precision medicine and active immunotherapy reflects a forward-thinking approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases, with the potential to transform patient care and improve quality of life for those affected by these conditions.