Company Overview

AC Immune SA is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies and diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases. The company operates primarily within the biotechnology and life sciences industries, with a specialization in diseases characterized by protein misfolding, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other dementias. Its core business model combines internal drug development with strategic partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies.

The company’s primary revenue drivers historically have been collaboration agreements, research funding, and milestone payments from partners rather than product sales, as none of its candidates have yet received regulatory approval. AC Immune SA positions itself through proprietary technology platforms targeting pathological proteins such as tau, alpha-synuclein, and amyloid-beta. Founded in 2003, the company has evolved from an academic spin-out into a publicly listed entity on the Nasdaq, expanding its pipeline through internal research and long-term industry collaborations.

Business Operations

AC Immune SA conducts operations through integrated research and development activities focused on therapeutic and diagnostic candidates. Its business is organized around multiple proprietary platforms that generate monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and small molecules targeting neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. The company generates revenue primarily through upfront payments, research funding, and milestone-based payments from strategic partners.

Operations are centered on discovery and early-to-mid-stage clinical development, with late-stage development often conducted in collaboration with partners. Key collaborations include agreements with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, under which partners typically assume responsibility for late-stage clinical trials and commercialization. AC Immune SA retains certain co-development and economic rights depending on the program.

Strategic Position & Investments

AC Immune SA’s strategic direction emphasizes advancing a diversified pipeline while leveraging partnerships to manage risk and capital requirements. Growth initiatives focus on progressing wholly owned clinical programs, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, while expanding its diagnostic portfolio to support precision medicine approaches. The company continues to invest heavily in biomarker development to support both therapeutic trials and potential future diagnostic commercialization.

Major investments have been directed toward expanding clinical trials, strengthening intellectual property, and maintaining long-term partnerships rather than pursuing large-scale acquisitions. The company does not operate a traditional portfolio of subsidiaries but maintains collaborative programs with global pharmaceutical companies. Emerging areas of focus include next-generation immunotherapies and blood-based diagnostics for neurodegenerative conditions.

Geographic Footprint

AC Immune SA is headquartered in Europe, with its principal offices and research facilities located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The company’s operational footprint is primarily European, but its strategic and commercial influence extends internationally through global partnerships and clinical trial activities.

Clinical development programs involve study sites across North America, Europe, and other international regions, depending on the partner and trial phase. As a Nasdaq-listed company, AC Immune SA maintains a strong presence in the United States capital markets, supported by investor relations and regulatory reporting aligned with U.S. standards.

Leadership & Governance

AC Immune SA was co-founded by Andrea Pfeifer, who has played a central role in shaping the company’s scientific and strategic vision. The leadership philosophy emphasizes long-term, science-driven value creation, disciplined capital allocation, and collaboration with established pharmaceutical partners to translate research into clinical impact.

Key members of the executive leadership team include:

• Andrea Pfeifer – Chief Executive Officer
• Laurent Nguyen – Chief Financial Officer
• Peter Schmidt – Chief Scientific Officer
• Mark C. Fisher – Chief Medical Officer
• Helmut Jagusch – Chief Operating Officer

The company is governed by a board of directors with experience across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and finance, providing oversight of strategy, risk management, and corporate governance in line with public company requirements.