19 November 2018 - - US-based biotechnology company Alector has initiated a first-in-human Phase 1 trial called the INVOKE study, investigating the company's second product candidate, AL002, for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the company said.

AL002 targets a triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), which was identified using large scale human genomic studies of Alzheimer's disease patients. In 2017, Alector entered a global strategic partnership with AbbVie that includes the AL002 program.

The INVOKE study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation trial that will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of AL002 in healthy volunteers and patients with Alzheimer's disease.

AL002 targets a triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) with strong genetic linkage to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

TREM2 is a transmembrane receptor protein that is expressed on a subset of innate immune cells and selectively on microglia in the brain.

Research suggests boosting TREM2 levels in the brain may prevent or reduce the severity of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5.5m Americans may have Alzheimer's.

In October 2017, Alector entered into a global strategic partnership with AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialise medicines to treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie has an option for the global development and commercial rights to two targets, including TREM2.

Alector will conduct exploratory research, drug discovery and development for lead programs up to the conclusion of the proof-of-concept studies. Upon exercise of the option, AbbVie will lead development and commercialization activities.

The company and AbbVie will co-fund development and commercialisation and will share global profits equally.

Alector is a privately held biotechnology company whose mission is to develop immuno- neurology therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.