Acumen, Halozyme enter global collaboration, license agreement

Acumen Pharmaceuticals (ABOS) announced a global non-exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO). The collaboration will provide Acumen access to Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug delivery technology, based on a recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 enzyme, for the development of a subcutaneous formulation of ACU193, the first clinical-stage AbetaO-targeting antibody. ENHANZE has been commercially validated in seven approved therapies, with global collaborations covering more than 60 therapeutic targets. Acumen intends to explore using ENHANZE with ACU193 and plans to initiate Phase 1 development in human subjects in mid-2024 to compare the pharmacokinetics of a subcutaneous form of ACU193 to the intravenous form. Acumen recently completed the Phase 1 INTERCEPT-AD trial in patients with early AD, which demonstrated robust, dose dependent target engagement for ACU193 and additionally produced amyloid plaque reduction following three administrations of ACU193 at 25 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg. At or near a three-month timepoint, ACU193 reduced amyloid plaque to a comparable level as that observed with administration of LEQEMBI. Under the terms of the agreement, in return for an upfront payment to Halozyme and other considerations, Acumen will receive non-exclusive rights to ENHANZE. Acumen is obligated to make future payments to Halozyme, subject to achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Halozyme will also be entitled to receive royalties on sales of commercialized medicines using the ENHANZE technology.