Promising Interim Results for AC Immune’s Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s Disease
AC Immune SA has announced encouraging interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 VacSYn clinical trial of ACI-7104.056, an innovative anti-alpha-synuclein (a-syn) active immunotherapy aimed at early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The trial, which involves over 30 patients across multiple countries, including the UK and Spain, has shown promising safety and efficacy data, marking a significant step forward in combating this neurodegenerative disease.
Breakthrough in Immunogenic Response
The interim data highlights a remarkable achievement in immunogenicity. Patients receiving ACI-7104.056 developed anti-a-synuclein antibody levels 16 times higher than those in the placebo group after just three immunisations.
Notably, 100% of these patients exhibited a positive response against the target antigen. These results suggest the therapy’s potential to effectively target a-synuclein, a hallmark pathological protein of Parkinson’s disease, before irreversible damage occurs.
The CEO of AC Immune expressed confidence in the trial’s outcomes, stating that the level of immunogenicity after only three months of treatment, coupled with the continued positive safety profile, reinforces the best-in-class characteristics of their clinically validated anti-a-syn active immunotherapy.
A Safe and Tolerable Approach
Safety remains a cornerstone of the ACI-7104.056 development process. The trial reported no significant adverse events, with only transient injection site reactions and mild headaches noted among participants.
These findings build on AC Immune’s established track record of prioritising patient safety while advancing cutting-edge treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Aiming for Broader Impact
As a randomised, placebo-controlled, and biomarker-based study, the trial underscores the importance of using innovative methods to combat Parkinson’s disease.
The current Phase 2 trial is recruiting up to 30 patients with mild-to-moderate PD, but the next phase, scheduled for 2025, will expand to include up to 150 participants. This next phase aims to evaluate the progression of motor and non-motor symptoms and employ advanced digital, imaging, and fluid biomarkers to establish proof-of-concept and disease-specific markers, setting the stage for a pivotal study.
The CEO further emphasised AC Immune’s leadership in active immunotherapies, noting that with two FDA Fast Track designations, their approach continues to gain recognition for its promise in targeting neurodegenerative diseases at their core.
Looking Ahead
These interim results are an important milestone in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. They reinforce the potential of active immunotherapies, such as ACI-7104.056, to address pathological proteins like a-synuclein in the early stages of neurodegeneration.
With its strong safety profile and remarkable immunogenic response, ACI-7104.056 holds promise as a transformative treatment for patients.
As AC Immune gears up for the next phase of the trial, the world watches with anticipation. This groundbreaking work not only signals hope for those living with Parkinson’s disease but also underscores the growing potential of targeted active immunotherapies in addressing the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases.
News Credits: AC immune announces positive trial results for early Parkinson’s treatment
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