Acumen Pharmaceuticals Collaborates with Lonza to Advance Sabirnetug for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Core Viewpoint - Acumen Pharmaceuticals has partnered with Lonza to manufacture its monoclonal antibody candidate, sabirnetug (ACU193), aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting toxic soluble amyloid beta oligomers [1][2]. Company Overview - Acumen Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for Alzheimer's disease, specifically targeting toxic soluble amyloid beta oligomers (AβOs) [4]. - The company is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, with additional offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Newton, Massachusetts [4]. - Acumen's scientific founders have pioneered research on AβOs, which are believed to be early triggers of Alzheimer's disease pathology [4]. Product Development - Sabirnetug (ACU193) is the first humanized monoclonal antibody to demonstrate selective target engagement of AβOs in a Phase 1 clinical study [2]. - The drug aims to prevent toxic AβOs from binding to dendritic spines, thereby preserving neuronal function and addressing an underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease [2]. - Acumen plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial for sabirnetug in the first half of 2024 [1]. Manufacturing Collaboration - Under the agreement, Lonza will manufacture sabirnetug at its next-generation facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, utilizing 2,000L single-use bioreactors [2]. - Lonza's expertise in regulatory compliance and antibody manufacturing will support Acumen in advancing its clinical development [2][3]. - The collaboration is seen as a critical step for Acumen to ensure broader access to next-generation Alzheimer's therapies [3]. Lonza Overview - Lonza is a leading global healthcare manufacturing organization with a workforce of around 18,000 employees [5]. - The company generated sales of CHF 6.7 billion and a CORE EBITDA of CHF 2.0 billion in the full year 2023 [5]. - Lonza operates across four divisions: Biologics, Small Molecules, Cell & Gene, and Capsules & Health Ingredients, providing comprehensive support to pharmaceutical and biotech companies [5].