Eli Lilly licenses ALS drug program from Alchemab in $415M deal

In recent years, research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, has experienced a series of mixed outcomes. While there have been new drug approvals, the field has also witnessed some setbacks, including drug withdrawals and unsuccessful trials. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to advance treatments for this debilitating condition, characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to death.

A notable development in ALS research is the collaboration between Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company, and British biotech firm Alchemab. Just a few months after initiating a discovery partnership, Eli Lilly has agreed to license its first drug asset from this collaboration. The focus of this deal is on ATLX-1282, a pioneering preclinical program developed by Alchemab for ALS and potentially other neurodegenerative conditions. According to a recent announcement, Eli Lilly will invest up to $415 million in the project, which will include a mix of upfront payments, achievement of discovery milestones, and royalties.

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK-based Alchemab will manage the early phase 1 clinical trials of ATLX-1282. Following these initial tests, Eli Lilly will assume responsibility for all subsequent development phases and commercialization efforts. Alchemab, known for its expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in biotechnology, leverages advanced computing resources from tech giant Nvidia to identify new therapeutic targets and develop antibodies. This licensing agreement marks the first concrete outcome from the January 2025 partnership between Alchemab and Lilly, which was established to explore up to five new antibody projects specifically targeting ALS.

The urgency and complexity of ALS research are highlighted by the limited treatment options available for patients. Over the past decade, however, there has been a noticeable increase in research activity and the introduction of new medications. Among the more recent achievements, Biogen and Ionis' drug, Qalsody, received FDA approval in 2023 for ALS patients possessing a specific mutation in the SOD1 gene. Nevertheless, the path to effective treatments remains fraught with difficulties.

For instance, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals’ drug, Relyvrio, was withdrawn from the market after failing a crucial confirmatory trial. Similarly, investigational ALS treatments from companies such as AbbVie-Calico and Denali did not demonstrate the desired efficacy in slowing disease progression during phase 2/3 trials earlier this year. Additionally, a month before these setbacks, Corcept's cortisol modulator also fell short in a midstage study aimed at curbing ALS progression.

The ongoing efforts by Eli Lilly and Alchemab represent a hopeful stride toward finding viable treatments for ALS. By combining cutting-edge technology with innovative research collaborations, there is optimism that new, effective therapies can be developed to improve the lives of those affected by ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. As the scientific community continues to tackle the formidable challenges posed by ALS, partnerships like that of Eli Lilly and Alchemab are crucial to accelerating progress in this vital area of medical research.