AC Immune and Takeda sign USD 100 million deal to treat Alzheimer’s disease

Takeda will receive an exclusive option to license AC Immune’s ACI-24.060, a breakthrough therapy to combat the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, for an upfront payment of USD 100 million and potential milestone payments of USD 2.1 billion.

Lausanne-based biopharmaceutical company AC Immune and Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda have announced an exclusive option and license agreement for the global rights to ACI-24.060, a promising active immunotherapy aimed at combating the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

AC Immune, headquartered at the EPFL Innovation Park, has developed ACI-24.060, an innovative candidate designed to target and neutralize toxic forms of amyloid beta (Abeta) — proteins believed to be key contributors to the neural plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The ongoing ABATE Phase 1b/2 clinical trial is evaluating ACI-24.060’s potential in patients with prodromal Alzheimer’s and adults with Down syndrome, focusing on its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in preventing plaque buildup and fostering plaque clearance in the brain.

In the company’s press release, Dr. Andrea Pfeifer, CEO of AC Immune, highlighted the significance of this collaboration with Takeda, pointing out the potential of ACI-24.060 to redefine Alzheimer’s treatment. “As pioneers in active immunotherapy, partnering with Takeda at this pivotal phase in development allows us to leverage their extensive expertise and resources to initiate comprehensive Phase 3 trials,” she stated.

Under the terms of the agreement, AC Immune will receive an upfront payment of USD 100 million from Takeda, with potential for additional milestone payments that could total approximately USD 2.1 billion. Takeda will take on the responsibilities of further clinical development, regulatory activities, and global commercialization post-option exercise.

Sarah Sheikh, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the innovative approach of the treatment and its potential to significantly impact those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. “This agreement combines our deep neuroscience expertise with AC Immune’s groundbreaking immunotherapy technology, enhancing our commitment to address critical needs in Alzheimer’s therapy,” she explained.

This strategic collaboration is not only a testament to AC Immune’s innovative capabilities, demonstrated through its SupraAntigen® and Morphomer® technology platforms, but also aligns with Takeda’s mission to champion novel therapeutic approaches in its core business areas.