AbbVie, a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company, and Alvine Pharmaceuticals, a leader in celiac disease therapeutics development, have entered into a global collaboration to develop a novel oral treatment for patients with celiac disease, currently in phase 2 development.  This collaboration builds on AbbVie's expertise and leadership in the field of gastroenterology with its on-market products to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and diseases associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

ALV003 is an investigational oral therapy composed of two recombinant, gluten specific enzymes (a cysteine protease (EP-B2) and a prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)), that degrade gluten in-vitro and in human clinical testing, and may reduce the symptoms and intestinal injury associated with celiac disease in patients attempting to adhere to a gluten-free diet.  Data from a Phase 2a study reported at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2012, showed reduction of intestinal inflammation in patients exposed to gluten and treated with ALV003 compared to patients treated with placebo.

"Celiac disease is an area with significant unmet medical need," said Scott Brun, vice president, pharmaceutical development, AbbVie.  "Patients who currently are unable to completely avoid gluten in their diets could potentially benefit from this promising investigational treatment. AbbVie has significant experience within immunology and gastroenterology and the exclusive option to acquire this asset complements AbbVie's broad mid-stage pipeline."

"A collaboration between Alvine and AbbVie combines our respective strengths and expertise in the development of what could become the first therapeutic option for this major unmet medical need," said Abhay Joshi,  president and chief executive officer, Alvine.  "We are pleased to have an industry leader in gastroenterology as a collaborator, whose considerable global development reach can be focused on getting this novel therapy to more patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will make an initial upfront payment of $70 million for an exclusive option to either acquire the assets relating to ALV003, or the equity of the company. Alvine will maintain responsibility for Phase 2 clinical development, and upon successful completion of the approximately 500 patient Phase 2b study, AbbVie may exercise its option for the agreed upon additional consideration.  Alvine will also be entitled to receive a milestone payment upon AbbVie's initiation of Phase 3 development.  In collaboration with AbbVie Biotech Ventures, Inc., a subsidiary of AbbVie dedicated to making early investments in emerging biotech and pharmaceutical companies, AbbVie was an early investor in Alvine Pharmaceuticals.

Celiac disease is the most common autoimmune disease, affecting approximately 6 million people in the US and EU.  Celiac disease is an acquired autoimmune disorder that develops in genetically susceptible individuals after exposure to dietary gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley that humans cannot fully digest.  Celiac disease is a systemic illness that can affect many organ systems, causing chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, and can potentially cause serious medical consequences, including malabsorption, osteoporosis, anaemia, infections and malignancies.  Currently there is no approved therapy for celiac disease and the only option for patients is to attempt to follow a strict, life-long gluten-free diet.

Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, specialty biopharmaceutical company located in San Carlos, California, focused on the development of biologics targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including celiac disease.  

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott.  The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases.