Alchemab and Eli Lilly sign $415m licensing deal for ATLX-1282

Alchemab Therapeutics, a pioneering biopharmaceutical firm focused on harnessing human immune evolution to develop novel therapeutic antibodies, has announced a significant licensing deal with Eli Lilly and Company. This agreement centers on ATLX-1282, a groundbreaking IND-ready program targeting neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The agreement, which could be worth up to $415 million, marks a milestone for Alchemab as it steps into the forefront of innovative medical research and development.

ATLX-1282 represents the first initiative to emerge from Alchemab's pioneering platform, which uses advanced technology to analyze millions of antibody sequences from individuals who exhibit resilience to typically untreatable diseases. This platform combines cutting-edge machine learning and AI to decode the complexities of the human immune system. Through sophisticated data analysis, Alchemab has been able to unearth antibodies associated with resilience against diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The collaboration will see Alchemab conducting early Phase 1 clinical trials for ATLX-1282. Following this, Lilly will take over the subsequent stages of development and commercialization. This partnership is anticipated to expedite the availability of this innovative treatment to patients suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.

Jane Osbourn, CEO of Alchemab, lauded the agreement as a landmark transaction for the company. She emphasized that Lilly's extensive expertise in neurological conditions positions the company to efficiently advance ATLX-1282 through clinical phases. Osbourn expressed confidence in the program's potential to significantly impact patient care and highlighted the agreement as a testament to Alchemab's unique approach to drug discovery. The company's blend of computational and laboratory-based research enables it to sift through a vast array of antibodies to identify novel therapeutic targets.

The origins of ATLX-1282 trace back to Alchemab's research into antibodies found in individuals with genetic mutations linked to FTD. Despite these mutations, these individuals remain healthy into old age, providing critical insights into potential neuroprotective mechanisms. Samples for this research were sourced from the Genetic Frontotemporal Initiative (GENFI) consortium, which maintains the largest cohort of FTD patients globally.

This licensing agreement builds on an existing collaboration between Alchemab and Lilly, announced in January 2025. This earlier partnership aims to discover and develop up to five new therapeutic candidates for ALS. The continued collaboration underscores the mutual commitment of both companies to address the urgent need for effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Alchemab's innovative approach is rooted in studying antibody responses in individuals who are naturally resilient to certain diseases. By identifying antibodies that are common among these individuals but absent in those who succumb to disease, Alchemab develops therapies targeting these specific antibodies. The company's platform integrates data mining and machine learning with drug discovery methodologies to unlock natural immune responses and develop breakthrough treatments.

Founded in 2019, Alchemab has raised significant funding from leading investors and is headquartered in London, with additional research facilities in Cambridge, UK. The company's work in neurodegeneration, immunology, and oncology continues to push the boundaries of medical research, offering hope for new, effective treatments for challenging diseases.

ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. It leads to the deterioration of motor neurons, affecting voluntary muscle control. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, weakness, and difficulty with basic functions like speaking and breathing. While the average survival time is two to four years, some patients live beyond ten years, underscoring the urgent need for new treatments.