AbbVie, a notable biopharmaceutical company, has made a significant move to enhance its Alzheimer’s disease treatment capabilities through the acquisition of Aliada Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company known for its innovative technology that aids in transporting large molecules, such as antibodies, across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). AbbVie has agreed to pay $1.4 billion in cash for Aliada, which entered clinical stages earlier this year. This acquisition underscores a strategic push to develop and commercialize advanced therapies for neurological disorders, an area identified as a key growth sector by AbbVie.
Aliada Therapeutics, based in Boston, has developed a promising technology that utilizes certain receptors to transport substances into the brain, effectively bypassing the BBB. This is achieved through their proprietary Modular Delivery (MODEL) technology, which was originally developed by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Janssen before being licensed to Aliada. The main focus of Aliada’s technology is on a lead program called ALIA-1758, an engineered antibody that utilizes binders for transferrin and CD98 to facilitate transportation of therapeutic agents into the brain.
The science behind Aliada’s approach involves exploiting normal physiological processes of brain transport, attaching therapeutic molecules to delivery modules that allow these substances to reach the brain more effectively. By using this method, drugs like ALIA-1758 can potentially achieve higher concentrations in the brain with lower dosages, minimizing adverse effects typically associated with amyloid-reducing drugs. This could provide a considerable advantage over existing Alzheimer’s treatments such as Eisai’s Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla, which have been linked with risks of bleeding and swelling.
The acquisition of Aliada fits into AbbVie’s broader strategy of developing a diverse portfolio of Alzheimer’s treatments. The company previously entered into a collaboration with Alector in 2017, focusing on antibodies targeting the TREM2 receptor to enhance the activity of microglia, immune cells in the CNS. Although one program was terminated, AbbVie continues to support the ongoing Phase 2 testing of another candidate, AL002, along with considering applications for other antibodies in combination treatments.
Further expanding its efforts in neurological disorders, AbbVie acquired Syndesi Therapeutics in 2022 for $130 million upfront. Syndesi was developing small molecule drugs that modulate synaptic transmission, with its advanced program targeting synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) also progressing in Phase 2 trials under AbbVie’s stewardship.
The Aliada Therapeutics deal is expected to close by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone for AbbVie in bolstering its research and development capabilities in neuroscience. According to Roopal Thakkar, executive VP, R&D, and chief scientific officer at AbbVie, this acquisition will position the company to advance ALIA-1758 as a potentially leading disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the novel BBB-crossing technology of Aliada will strengthen AbbVie’s ability to expedite development of next-generation therapies for various neurological disorders and enhance delivery of therapeutics into the CNS.
Overall, this acquisition reflects AbbVie’s commitment to advancing treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease through innovative technologies and strategic collaboration. With Aliada’s groundbreaking approach to overcoming the BBB’s challenges, AbbVie aims to redefine therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases, potentially translating into more effective and safer treatment options for Alzheimer’s patients.
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