BRIEF—AAIC 2023: Prothena offers data on BMS-partnered antibody

Dublin-headquartered protein specialist Prothena has outlined research it intends to present at the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).

The firm will highlight results from a single ascending dose (SAD) study of its anti-tau candidate PRX005, a unique antibody which targets the microtubule binding region (MTBR) of the protein.

Interest in PRX005 is peaking after US pharma major Bristol Myers Squibb recently  exercised an option to obtain exclusive global rights, triggering a $55 million payment.

The collaboration, agreed in 2018 with Celgene, could be worth up to $2 billion. Celgene was acquired by BMS in 2019.

Prothena is also working on a vaccine for Alzheimer’s, PRX123, and will present preclinical immunological data for the dual amyloid-beta and tau-targeting candidate at AAIC 2023.