Aducanumab (BIIB037) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease reduced brain beta-amyloid levels in a Phase 1b trial

Neurimmune’s recombinant human monoclonal antibody Aducanumab (BIIB037) targeting Abeta aggregates reduced beta-amyloid levels in the brain, and had an effect on cognition in patients with prodromal or mild Alzheimer’s disease. These study results were observed in a prespecified interim analysis of the Phase 1b trial conducted by Neurimmune’s collaboration partner Biogen Idec, Cambridge, MA.

Douglas Williams, Executive Vice President of R&D of Biogen Idec, announced at Deutsche Bank’s BioFEST investors’ conference on Dec 2, 2014, that Aducanumab (BIIB037) is being prepared for a Phase 3 trial. The interim analysis showed a dose-dependent, time-dependent, and statistically significant reduction of beta-amyloid from the brain along with an acceptable safety profile to date. Furthermore, in exploratory analyses, a statistically significant effect on cognition was observed at week 54. Biogen will continue the current study in a blinded fashion. Williams said Biogen is likely to present data at a major scientific congress in 2015.

Aducanumab (BIIB037) is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody targeting Abeta aggregates that play a role in the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab (BIIB037) is currently being investigated in a Phase 1b study in patients with prodromal and mild Alzheimer’s disease and a positive PET amyloid at baseline. The recombinant human antibody was generated by Neurimmune’s Reverse Translational MedicineTM technology platform and was licensed to Biogen Idec in 2007. Neurimmune and Biogen Idec expanded their collaboration in 2010 with immunotherapy programs targeting tau, alpha-synuclein and TDP-43 for the treatment of related neurodegenerative diseases.