WuXi Biologics and AC Immune revealed plans to accelerate the advancement of AC Immune’s TDP-43 antibody into clinical development for NeuroOrphan indications.
This next phase of the strategic partnership between the companies combines AC Immune’s proprietary drug discovery and development platforms and WuXi Biologics’ expertise in manufacturing biologics, according to Chris Chen, PhD, CEO of WuXi. A particular focus is developing AC Immune’s clinical antibody candidate to ensure it has high-affinity for TDP-43 and is capable of preventing the intercellular spread of toxic species. With no disease modifying therapies currently available that target TDP-43 there is significant unmet need and market potential, adds Chen.
“We are pleased to enable AC Immune to turn promising candidates into tangible treatments to fulfill the unmet medical needs in the field of CNS disorder,” he says. “This strategic partnership reflects the extensive trust and recognition of WuXi Biologics from AC Immune. Through our leading technology platforms, we look forward to empowering AC Immune to accelerate novel biologics development and benefiting patients worldwide.”
“Particular expertise is required in the field of monoclonal antibody development, working with a global leader like WuXi Biologics allows us to work together up to commercialization,” notes Andrea Pfeifer, CEO of AC Immune. “This also reflects AC Immune’s growth, where previously monoclonal antibodies were licensed out from discovery phase. The agreement with WuXi Biologics is a further demonstration of how we partner productively with major industry players to enhance the drug development process and bring our groundbreaking treatments to patients.”
The expansion of the partnership between the companies with the new agreement, follows data presented at this year’s AAT-AD/PDTM conference on AC Immune’s SupraAntigenTM-derived anti-TDP-43 therapeutic antibody candidate, which supported advancement into IND-enabling studies. Through the new agreement, AC Immune gains access to WuXi Biologics’ proprietary platforms including cell line development platform, for the clinical manufacturing of AC Immune’s TDP-43 monoclonal antibodies. Under the agreement, AC Immune retains all intellectual property rights to molecules.
