AC Immune, Ltd. has entered into an exclusive global license agreement and research collaboration with Genentech for the development of anti-beta-amyloid antibodies for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other human diseases. Beta-amyloid is an important target for disease-modification of AD and AC Immune has developed conformation-specific antibodies against this protein generated by its SupraAntigen Technology.

Under the terms of this agreement, Genentech will make an upfront payment with the potential for a total of more than $300 million upon successful completion of clinical and regulatory milestones for AD and additional applications. Upon commercialization of a product, Genentech will pay AC Immune royalties on net sales of AC Immune’s antibodies in the field of AD or other human applications. Genentech will also provide funding for a multi-year collaborative research program and will cover all development and clinical costs of the lead antibody and subsequent antibody candidates.

“Out-licensing one of our lead programs to Genentech achieves a major business objective for the company and represents a significant milestone in the three-year history of AC Immune,” said Andrea Pfeifer, chief executive officer of AC Immune. “Genentech is an excellent, and our preferred, collaborator for the antibody program due to its expertise in development and commercialization of antibodies.”