At the virtual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), AC Immune reported positive preclinical trial data for ACI-12589, their forward-thinking diagnostic tool. ACI-12589 is a non-invasive alpha-synuclein positron emission tomography (PET) tracer. But while this may sound complicated, it really isn’t! According to RadiologyInfo, PET:
uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, a special camera, and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before other imaging tests can.
In this case, AC Immune’s tool is able to figure out whether a patient’s condition is an alpha-synucleinopathy, or a disorder caused by issues with alpha-synuclein. For example, Parkinson’s disease is considered a synucleinopathy ACI-12589 also differs from normal PET tracers because it focuses specifically on alpha-synuclein. Through this, researchers can determine how toxic clumps of alpha-synuclein change throughout disease progression. These clumps often become Lewy bodies, a frequent element seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy.
ACI-12589
Currently, there are few diagnostic tools for Parkinson’s disease. However, if ACI-12589 continues to show promise, it may become a fit for this unmet patient need. Diagnostic tools are important for early detection and treatment, but also because they allow doctors to understand how a disease is progressing. According to initial data, ACI-12589 is effective in targeting alpha-synuclein.
According to CEO Andrea Pfeifer, the tool was developed through AC Immune’s proprietary Morphomer platform. Through this platform, the company can screen multiple small molecules and identify ones that can be used to help damaged proteins. These morphomers bind to misfolded proteins, like those that create Lewy bodies, and destroy them to prevent accumulation.
So what is the next step for AC Immune and ACI-12589? According to the company, they will now be pursuing preclinical development for their tool.
Content from the AAIC is available for viewing until August 30. If you’d like to check out the presentations, you can find them here.
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