AC Immune (NASDAQ:ACIU) unveiled clinical data on Friday suggesting its experimental vaccine could potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, a milestone that accompanied a significant corporate restructuring aimed at preserving its capital.
The Lausanne, Switzerland-based biopharmaceutical company reported interim Phase 2 "VacSYn" data for ACI-7104, its active immunotherapy targeting alpha-synuclein.
The study achieved a 100% immunogenic responder rate, meaning every participant produced the intended immune response.
More critically, early analysis suggests the vaccine may impact the clinical progression of the disease, a "disease-modifying" potential that has long been the holy grail of neurodegenerative research.
To support the advancement of this and other high-priority programs, AC Immune has undertaken a strategic "right-sizing," reducing its workforce by approximately 30%.
This move is designed to streamline operations as the company pivots toward late-stage clinical execution.
Financially, the company ended fiscal year 2025 with a cash balance of CHF 91.4 million.
While AC Immune reported a net loss of CHF 70.5 million for the year, the recent restructuring and planned 2026 expenditure of CHF 55–65 million have effectively extended the company’s cash runway into the third quarter of 2027.
This provides the firm with nearly 18 months of additional liquidity to reach key data readouts without immediate dilution.
Beyond Parkinson's, the company has successfully advanced ACI-19764, a small molecule NLRP3 inhibitor, into Phase 1 clinical trials.
The program targets neuroinflammation, a common driver across several neurodegenerative conditions.