Genentech begins Phase II of AC Immune's anti-Tau mAb for AD

AC Immune S.A. (NASDAQ:ACIU) said the Genentech Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) started a Phase II trial of Anti Tau mAb (RO7105705) to treat prodromal-to-mild Alzheimer's disease. The trial start triggered a CHF14 million ($14.1 million) milestone payment to AC Immune from Roche under a 2012 deal.

The double-blind, U.S. trial will evaluate 3 doses of IV RO7105705 vs. placebo in 360 patients. The primary endpoints are safety and change in Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) sum-of-boxes score from baseline to week 72. Secondary endpoints include cognitive function measured by changes in Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) score and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale 13 score from baseline to week 72; performance of daily living activities measured by changes in the Amsterdam Instrumental Activity of Daily Living questionnaire and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Group-Activities of Daily Living Inventory from baseline to week 72; pharmacokinetics; and presence of anti-RO7105705 antibodies...