Lundbeck secures rights to IBC's research for Alzheimer's treatment

Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck has signed an agreement to secure the rights of biotech firm ImmunoBrain Checkpoint’s (IBC) breakthrough research in Alzheimer's disease treatment.

The research includes alteration of antibodies currently being used to treat cancer for use in Alzheimer's treatment.

The new approach is expected to potentially yield treatments for the symptoms of the disease, as well as its progression.

Under the agreement, the research for determining drug candidates for clinical evaluation will be performed and funded by Lundbeck, which will further obtain a minority stake in IBC and also an exclusive option to take over all rights and activities at a later date.

Lundbeck corporate functions executive vice-president Jacob Tolstrup said: "IBC has a unique and innovative approach to this highly complex disease and the data generated until now is highly promising.

"We are delighted to take part in this exciting work as part of our strategy of in-licensing research projects to supplement our own research activities."

The research is reportedly still in its early stages and will take a long time before its assessment in clinical trials.

Lundbeck focuses on psychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is characterised by brain degeneration, cellular loss and dysfunction, gradual loss of memory, reasoning or judgment problems, disorientation, difficulty in learning and loss of language skills.

Lundbeck’s current pipeline for the disease includes a new product called Brexpiprazole (Rexulti), which is believed to act through partial agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptors, combined with antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

Discovered by Otsuka, Brexpiprazole is being co-developed by Lundbeck and Otsuka.