AbbVie has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with C₂N Diagnostics, a privately held protein diagnostic and therapeutic discovery company based in Saint Louis, Mo., to develop and commercialize a portfolio of anti-tau antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. This partnership builds upon AbbVie's commitment to pursue transformational disease-modifying therapies in Alzheimer's disease.

Tau stabilizes proteins responsible for the structure and transport in neuronal cells. Abnormal accumulation of altered tau protein is a leading indicator in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. In these conditions, the development of tau pathology strongly correlates with clinical disease progression.

"The need for new approaches and therapies to address Alzheimer's disease is critical," said Jim Sullivan, Ph.D., vice president, pharmaceutical discovery, AbbVie. "C₂N's portfolio of anti-tau antibodies represents one of the most promising approaches to delaying progression of devastating neurodegenerative disease. Combining the world class expertise in Alzheimer's disease at C₂N with AbbVie's proven capabilities in neuroscience will enable the rapid advancement of anti-tau antibodies into patients."

Financial terms of the collaboration have not been disclosed.