Johannes Streffer, MD, AC Immune SA, Lausanne, Switzerland, comments on the potential benefits of a vaccine targeting amyloid beta (Aβ), compared to monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based approaches. Based on experience with the development of an anti-tau vaccine (ACI‑35.030), the team at AC Immune SA hope that their anti-Aβ vaccine (ACI-24.060) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will elicit a more mature immune response targeting pathological species. Early data has shown that ACI-24.060 generates a strong polyclonal antibody response targeting several pathological forms of Aβ, including oligomeric species and pyroGlutamate-Aβ. The broader targeting of these different forms may have an advantage over the more selective targeting of mAbs. Additionally, it is hoped the vaccine will induce long last immune responses that only require periodic boosting. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 in San Diego, CA.
