AbbVie has agreed to buy Aliada Therapeutics for $1.4 billion. This deal includes Aliada’s main product, ALIA-1758, which is being developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Aliada is known for its technology that helps deliver drugs directly to the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. This technology is part of their MODEL platform, which was originally created by Johnson & Johnson scientists.
ALIA-1758 uses this technology to carry an antibody that targets harmful plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. The acquisition will enhance AbbVie’s research abilities, particularly in developing treatments for neurological disorders.
AbbVie’s executive, Roopal Thakkar, emphasized their commitment to innovating in neuroscience to address urgent patient needs. ALIA-1758 is currently in early-stage trials to test its safety. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, pending approvals. AbbVie and Aliada received advice from several legal and financial firms to finalize the deal.