#None #ALS #Lilly #Alchemab Therapeutics

Alchemab Therapeutics Partners with Lilly for ALS Research

Alchemab Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical firm that specializes in antibody discovery, has announced its collaboration with Lilly aimed at creating innovative therapies to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This partnership marks a significant progression in research for this severe neurodegenerative disease, particularly noted for its lack of effective treatments.

This collaboration will utilize Alchemab’s advanced antibody discovery platform, which focuses on identifying naturally occurring therapeutic antibodies derived from patient samples of individuals exhibiting unusually slow disease progression. Drawing insights from patients who maintain resilience against ALS provides a unique opportunity to discover therapeutic targets that might otherwise go unnoticed. Alchemab intends to exploit its extensive collection of ALS patient samples to find and develop up to five novel therapeutic candidates.

Jane Osbourn, Alchemab's CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our differentiated antibody discovery platform provides vital insights into individual immune responses and the unique antibodies generated during these processes.” She emphasized the potential to uncover new therapeutic avenues through this collaborative approach with a prominent entity like Lilly, recognizing both companies' commitment to addressing the unmet medical needs in ALS treatment.

The significance of this endeavor cannot be overstated. ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, poses a severe and progressive danger to its victims. The early indicators of the disease include stiff muscles, twitching, and an escalating weakness that ultimately leads to the degeneration of motor neurons, hindering the body's ability to perform essential functions such as speaking, swallowing, and even breathing. Unfortunately, the prognosis for those affected is grim, with an average survival span ranging between two to four years following the onset of symptoms, despite 10% of patients managing to survive over a decade.

As per the agreement, Alchemab will take a leading role in the exploration of novel therapeutics while receiving upfront payments, milestone payments upon successful discovery and development progress, and royalties on potential sales. This financial structure highlights the promise of achievement for both Alchemab and Lilly, indicating substantial investment in the fight against ALS.

Alchemab’s unique approach is pioneering in that it capitalizes on the natural immune responses of individuals who show resistance to disease, illuminating pathways that might be overlooked in conventional research paradigms. By marrying data mining capabilities and machine learning with in vivo and in vitro drug discovery methodologies, the company seeks to unlock the secrets of human immunity as a means to develop breakthrough drugs for difficult-to-treat conditions.

Founded in 2019, Alchemab has grown robustly, securing over $80 million in funding from top-tier investors like SV Health Investors and Lightstone Ventures among others. The company operates out of its headquarters in the UK and maintains research facilities in Cambridge where cutting-edge technology is employed to pioneer advancements in antibody-based therapies. Alchemab's unwavering focus is on identifying novel antibiotics that can significantly alter the landscape of treatment for debilitating diseases that currently lack effective modifications.

The collaboration with Lilly signifies a hopeful turn for the future of ALS research, as it combines innovative technology with extensive pharmaceutical expertise and resources. Together, these companies aim not only to discover but to ultimately improve the quality of life for ALS patients through effective and novel therapeutic options. For more information, visit Alchemab’s official website at www.alchemab.com.