AI-driven ALS therapy: How Eli Lilly is expanding its neurodegeneration pipeline with Alchemab’s antibody

Key highlights

• AI-powered antibody ATLX-1282, developed by Alchemab, enters Phase 1 for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases
• Eli Lilly to license and develop the drug with up to $415 million in total commitment
• Builds on Lilly’s ALS portfolio alongside partnerships with QurAlis and Verge Genomics

AI-powered discovery enters clinical stage
Eli Lilly and Company has entered into a licensing agreement with Alchemab Therapeutics to develop ATLX-1282, an antibody candidate discovered using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Phase 1-ready therapy targets amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Targeting neuroprotection through UNC5C
ATLX-1282 acts on UNC5C, a novel target associated with neuronal degeneration. Alchemab’s AI platform identified this antibody from individuals resilient to neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to provide a disease-modifying effect in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.

Collaborative development and commercialization
Under the agreement:

• Alchemab will conduct initial Phase 1 trials
• Lilly will lead later-stage development and commercialization
• The deal includes up to $415 million in upfront and milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on potential sales
  “With Lilly’s deep expertise in neurological conditions, they are ideally placed to speedily advance ATLX-1282 through the clinic,” said Jane Osbourn, CEO of Alchemab.

Lilly builds momentum in AI-driven neurology
This partnership complements Lilly’s strategy to access cutting-edge AI-based discovery platforms. Previous collaborations include:

• QurAlis: Licensed QRL-204, targeting UNC13A in ALS
• Verge Genomics: Advanced AI-identified ALS drug targets in 2024
  Lilly also developed Kisunla, an Alzheimer’s drug discovered in-house, showcasing its leadership in neurodegeneration.

About Alchemab Therapeutics
Alchemab is a UK-based biotechnology company leveraging machine learning and immunoprofiling to discover resilience-associated antibodies. Its portfolio includes preclinical programs for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and muscle wasting diseases.