AC Immune Expands Tau Drug Deal with Lilly, Targeting Intracellular Pathology
Event summary
- AC Immune amends 2018 Tau drug deal with Lilly, focusing on Morphomer small molecules for Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases.
- CHF10 million upfront payment plus potential CHF1.7 billion in milestones and low double-digit royalties.
- IND-enabling studies for Tau Morphomers to begin in H1 2026.
- Lilly collaboration now includes new lead candidates and backup compounds.
- AC Immune highlights preclinical data showing Tau Morphomers can inhibit aggregation and seeding.
The big picture
The amendment reflects growing industry focus on intracellular Tau as a key target for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. AC Immune’s Morphomer platform positions it as a leader in small-molecule precision therapeutics, with Lilly’s backing validating its approach. The CHF1.7 billion in potential milestones underscores the high-stakes nature of this collaboration in a competitive therapeutic landscape.
What we're watching
- Clinical Validation
- Whether AC Immune’s preclinical data on Tau Morphomers translates into successful IND-enabling studies and Phase 1 trials.
- Deal Execution
- The pace at which Lilly and AC Immune advance Tau Morphomer candidates through development, given the expanded collaboration scope.
- Market Positioning
- How this deal strengthens AC Immune’s standing in neurodegenerative disease therapeutics, particularly against competitors targeting Tau pathology.