Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme critical for cellular energy metabolism that declines with age. NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR are studied as longevity interventions.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin, a key nutrient-sensing pathway that regulates cell growth and aging. Inhibiting mTOR (e.g., with rapamycin) has shown lifespan extension in multiple organisms.

A class of drugs that selectively eliminate senescent (aged, dysfunctional) cells to reduce inflammation and improve tissue function.

What is Epigenetic clock?

A biomarker based on DNA methylation patterns that estimates biological age, often more predictive of health outcomes than chronological age.

The period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disability associated with aging.

An immunosuppressant drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway. Research shows rapamycin may extend lifespan and improve age-related health outcomes in multiple species.

What is Biological age?

A measure of how well or poorly your body is functioning relative to your chronological age, assessed through biomarkers such as DNA methylation, telomere length, and blood panels.

What is Caloric restriction?

A dietary regimen that reduces calorie intake without malnutrition. Caloric restriction is one of the most studied interventions shown to extend lifespan across species.

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere length is associated with aging and age-related diseases.

A state in which cells permanently stop dividing but resist death, accumulating with age and secreting inflammatory factors that damage surrounding tissue.

A second-generation epigenetic clock that predicts time to death and is considered one of the most accurate measures of biological aging.

What is Inflammaging?

Chronic, low-grade inflammation that increases with age and contributes to the development of age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.

The large-scale study of proteins in biological systems. In longevity research, proteomics identifies blood protein signatures that predict biological age and disease risk.

What is Yamanaka factors?

A set of four transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) that can reprogram adult cells to a pluripotent state. Partial reprogramming with Yamanaka factors is being explored to reverse cellular aging.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide, a precursor to NAD+ that is widely studied as a supplement to boost cellular energy and combat age-related decline.

A gene-editing technology that allows precise modifications to DNA. In longevity research, CRISPR is used to study and potentially modify genes associated with aging.

Lilly pays AC Immune $12.5M to expand Alzheimer’s collab as asset draws closer to clinic

Eli Lilly has invested 10 million Swiss francs ($12.5 million) into AC Immune to advance their collaboration on Alzheimer’s disease, specifically targeting tau protein aggregation. This partnership, originally established in 2018 with an $81 million upfront fee and potential milestone payments totaling 1.7 billion francs ($2.1 billion), focuses on AC Immune’s innovative morphomer small molecules. These orally administered compounds are designed to penetrate the brain and bind to tau proteins, aiming to inhibit their aggregation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology. AC Immune has indicated that a morphomer candidate is on the verge of entering clinical trials, which marks a significant step toward therapeutic application.

The collaboration’s significance lies in its potential to shift the treatment paradigm for Alzheimer’s disease. AC Immune’s CEO, Andrea Pfeifer, Ph.D., emphasized that the progress made in the morphomer program could lead to disruptive small molecule therapeutics for early intervention and long-term prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to target intracellular tau could slow or halt disease progression, which is critical given the current limitations of existing therapies. The amended agreement also includes undisclosed milestone payments contingent upon the candidate’s advancement into phase 1 trials, underscoring the financial and strategic commitment from both parties to this promising approach.

The implications of this development extend to the broader field of neurodegenerative disease research. By focusing on intracellular tau targeting, this partnership could redefine research priorities and therapeutic strategies, potentially accelerating the timeline for drug development in Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Additionally, AC Immune’s recent pipeline restructuring, which has streamlined its focus on tau and alpha-synuclein, suggests a strategic pivot that may enhance its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s therapeutics.

Source: fiercebiotech.com