Neurimmune's Alzheimer’s antibody program moves into preclinical
development
20 August 2009
Swiss company Neurimmune Therapeutics AG has announced that,
following the successful completion of key research milestones, its lead
human therapeutic antibody for Alzheimer’s disease has advanced into
preclinical development, triggering milestone payments of an undisclosed
amount from Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB).
Neurimmune partnered with Biogen Idec for the worldwide development
and commercialization of novel, fully human antibodies for the treatment
of Alzheimer’s disease in November 2007. The alliance focuses on the
development of antibodies that bind to amyloid beta (Abeta), a
pathogenic molecule thought to cause neurodegeneration and loss of
cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
”Neurimmune’s unique Reverse Translational Medicine (RTM) technology
platform combined with in-depth expertise in neuroscience played a
critical role in moving the program forward. The fact that we could
reach all preclinical milestones in such a short period of time shows
that our RTM technology can significantly accelerate the transition from
discovery to development of human monoclonal antibodies,” said Jan
Grimm, Chief Scientific Officer of Neurimmune Therapeutics.
“The rapid advancement into preclinical development demonstrates the
progress and productivity of our collaboration with Biogen Idec — we are
very happy to work with a partner that has such extensive and valuable
experience in the development of biopharmaceuticals. The significant
milestone payments also provide Neurimmune with additional financial
stability to support the sustainable future development of our company,”
said Michael Salzmann, COO and General Manager of Neurimmune
Therapeutics.
“Biogen Idec is globally recognized as a leader in the development of
innovative therapies for neurologic diseases, and this program is an
important entry into Alzheimer’s disease for us,” said Kenneth Rhodes,
PhD, Vice President, Discovery Neurobiology, Biogen Idec. “The rapid
progression of this antibody is the result of a very effective joint
collaboration, which capitalized on Neurimmune’s novel RTM approach and
our proven expertise in neuroscience and the development of therapeutic
antibodies.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent age-related
neurodegenerative disease affecting more than 15 million patients
worldwide. There are currently no treatments approved to slow or stop
the progression of the disease. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease
experience the progressive loss of cognitive functions, particularly
those related to memory, followed by death eight to 15 years after a
progressive decline due to their disease. The pathology of Alzheimer’s
disease is characterized by distinctive features, including the
deposition of Abeta in the form of senile plaques and the loss of
specific neuronal populations in the brain.
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