Swiss, Zhuhai bio-pharms seek to cure the incurable

Zhuhai Essex Bio-Pharmaceutical of Tangjiawan and AC Immune SA of Lausanne, Switzerland will jointly develop a novel biological therapeutic treatment of dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases which are, up to now, incurable. 

They also will work on inflammations of the nervous system that could be caused by infection, traumatic brain injury, toxics, or autoimmunity, it was announced on May 22.

AC Immune creates antibodies, small molecules, and vaccines designed to address neurodegenerative indications. Medical and diagnostic products researched and developed by the company have the potential to prevent and cure diseases caused by the improper function of proteins in the brain and body.

Essex focuses on DNA technology and specializes in R&D, manufacture and sale of genetically engineered pharmaceuticals to heal surface and organ wounds and nervous system damages and diseases. Patrick Mia Je Ngiam, Essex chairman, stated: "We will leverage our mutual expertise with the aim to deliver novel solutions in the specialty areas of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation where there is an unmet medical need."

The agreement gives AC Immune its first R&D base in Asia with potential new development opportunities in the region. "The collaboration is a natural progression for our two companies who know each other very well," said Andrea Pfeifer, CEO of AC Immune, "Essex Bio-Technology being a significant shareholder of AC Immune."

According to the agreement, pre-clinical research will begin with financial support provided by Essex. Both companies will also plan for clinical development and a follow-up business strategy.

Essex Bio-pharmaceutical [File photo]