AMORFIX LIFE SCIENCES ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF A4 DATA IN PRESTIGIOUS JOURNAL
OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND PROVIDES UPDATE ON MANAGEMENT CHANGES
TSX: AMF
TORONTO, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - Amorfix Life Sciences, a company focused on treatments and diagnostics for misfolded protein diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), is pleased to announce that data generated by its A4 test has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific publication. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has published the research article entitled: Pathological Hallmarks, Clinical Parallels, and Value for Drug Testing in Alzheimer's Disease of the APP(V717I) London Transgenic Mouse Model by An Tanghe, Annelies Termont, Pascal Merchiers, Stephan Schilling, Hans-Ulrich Demuth, Louise Scrocchi, Fred Van Leuven, Gerard Griffioen, and Tom Van Dooren.
In this paper, among other findings, the authors confirm the validity of the Amorfix A4 assay in detecting aggregated Abeta, which is a neuropathological marker of the "APP London" (APP-Ld) mouse model offered for preclinical in vivo drug testing by reMYND NV. The published data include A4 analysis of the brains from the APP-Ld mice to monitor accumulation of aggregated species of Abeta at ages too young to analyze using conventional methods such as immunohistochemistry.
"This publication of data in a peer-reviewed journal represents a significant milestone for Amorfix in validating the use of the A4 for detection and quantification of aggregated Abeta in pre-clinical models, and is the first of what we hope are many future publications." said Louise Scrocchi, Associate Director of Research and Development for Amorfix.
reMYND NV and Amorfix have a non-exclusive license that allows reMYND to offer Amorfix A4 analysis of samples to their customers. reMYND's contract research business offers an extensive portfolio of preclinical in-vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic and safety testing of experimental Alzheimer therapies using proprietary mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
In line with previously announced corporate changes, the company is announcing that James Parsons will be stepping down from the role of CFO and that Janet Clennett, the company's current Director, Finance will be taking on the role of Acting CFO. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Parsons will be staying on until the end of the year. "We thank James for his many important contributions to the company over the years and are very pleased to have Janet move into this important role for the company. She brings years of experience and a strong financial background to our organization" said Dr. Robert Gundel, President and CEO of Amorfix.
Dr. Philippe Couillard, Chairman of the Board of Amorfix, expressed the thanks of the Board to Mr. Parsons for all his efforts in building the Company since its formation in 2005. "We have benefited greatly from James' financial leadership. He has been integral to the efficient operations of the company and ensuring that we have strong governance practices".
About A4
The Amorfix A4 assay is an ultrasensitive method for the detection of aggregated Abeta that provides quantitative measurements of aggregates. The A4 can detect aggregates in plasma, and brain tissue from standard animal models of AD several months before conventional microscopic procedures thereby accelerating the preclinical screening of new drugs for AD. The A4 is significantly more sensitive than current methods for detecting total Abeta and can be used in high-throughput applications designed to study the inhibition of amyloid formation.
About Amorfix
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. (TSX:AMF) is a theranostics company developing therapeutic products and diagnostic devices targeting misfolded protein diseases including Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and cancer. The Company's diagnostic programs include an ultrasensitive method for the detection of aggregated Beta-Amyloid in brain tissue and blood from animal models of AD, months prior to observable amyloid formation, as well as human blood screening tests for Alzheimer's and early liver cancer detection. Amorfix's proprietary Epitope Protection(TM) (EP) technology enables it to specifically identify very low levels of aggregated misfolded proteins (AMP) in a sample. Amorfix utilizes its computational discovery platform, ProMIS(TM), to predict novel Disease Specific Epitopes ("DSE") on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Amorfix's lead therapeutic programs include antibodies and vaccines to DSEs in ALS, AD and cancer. For more information about Amorfix, visit www.amorfix.com.
About reMYND
reMYND, based in Leuven, Belgium, actively drives the development of disease-modifying treatments against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, either by its own Drug Discovery & Development or as a Contract Research Organization (CRO). reMYND's CRO offers an extensive scope of preclinical in-vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic and safety testing in its proprietary transgenic mouse models of AD based on the APP-London mutation, including APP, APPxPS1, and APPxTAU models. reMYND tests treatments for AD for 3rd parties, and as such has provided in-vivo proof-of-concept data for several AD candidate drugs currently in clinical development. reMYND NV is a privately held company, founded as a spin-off company of Leuven University in 2002. For more information about reMYND, visit www.reMYND.com.
Forward Looking Information
This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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For further information: Dr. Robert Gundel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd., Tel: (416) 847-6957, Fax: (416) 847-6899, [email protected]; Janet Clennett, Acting Chief Financial Officer, Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd., Tel: (416) 847-6926, Fax: (416) 847-6899, [email protected]
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