AC Immune Initiates Final ABATE Cohort, Doses First NLRP3 Inhibitor Subjects
AC Immune’s Q1 report shows a CHF10m upfront payment from Eli Lilly and a $12m milestone triggered by initiation of the final ABATE cohort for ACI-24. The company also dosed first subjects in its ACI-19764 NLRP3 inhibitor Phase 1 trial and holds CHF74.8m cash through Q4 2027.
1. ABATE Phase 1b/2 Trial Progress
AC Immune has initiated the final AD4 cohort in its ABATE Phase 1b/2 trial of ACI-24, triggering a $12 million milestone payment from Takeda. The company expects 12-month interim results from the AD3 cohort in Q2 2026, advancing its anti-Abeta immunotherapy program toward Phase 2 proof of concept.
2. First-in-Human NLRP3 Inhibitor Trial
The first healthy volunteers have been dosed in the Phase 1 trial of ACI-19764, a brain-penetrant small molecule targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Single- and multiple-ascending dose results are anticipated in the second half of 2026, potentially enabling broader development in neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.
3. Enhanced Lilly Morphomer-Tau Collaboration
An amended agreement with Eli Lilly provides a CHF10 million upfront payment and a milestone upon Phase 1 dosing, with AC Immune eligible for over CHF1.7 billion in additional development, regulatory and commercial milestones plus low-double-digit royalties. IND-enabling studies for new Tau Morphomer candidates are expected to start imminently.
4. Cash Runway and Upcoming Catalysts
With CHF74.8 million in cash as of March 31, 2026, AC Immune’s funding extends into Q4 2027. Key catalysts include full Part 1 data from the VacSYn Phase 2 trial in Parkinson’s disease and interim ABATE results in H2 2026.