AbbVie and C2N Diagnostics announce Alzheimer’s drug collaboration

AbbVie has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with C2N Diagnostics focusing on the development of innovative new therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

The companies will work together to develop and commercialise a portfolio of anti-tau antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.

Normally, tau stabilises the proteins responsible for structure and transport in neuronal cells, but abnormal accumulation of altered tau protein can be a leading indicator in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions.

This partnership aligns with AbbVie's strategy of pursuing transformational disease-modifying therapies in Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Jim Sullivan, vice-president for pharmaceutical discovery at AbbVie, said: "Combining the world-class expertise in Alzheimer's disease at C2N with AbbVie's proven capabilities in neuroscience will enable the rapid advancement of anti-tau antibodies into patients."

This comes after the firm recently announced the acquisition of Pharmacyclics, a deal that includes the purchase of the blockbuster drug Imbruvica.