ProMIS Neurosciences announces five novel Alzheimer's disease therapeutic candidates block spreading of toxic prion-like forms of Amyloid beta

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences ("ProMIS" or the "Company"), a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that all five of its validated monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD) (announced on November 3, 2016) blocked propagation of toxic, prion-like forms of Amyloid beta (Aβ) in vitro.

"We previously demonstrated that the five mAb therapeutic candidates ProMIS is developing display the optimal target profile of selective binding to prion-like forms of Aβ with virtually no binding to Aβ monomer or plaque," stated Dr. Neil Cashman ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. "We have achieved another significant milestone in our AD therapeutic development program by demonstrating that each of our five mAbs blocks in vitro prion-like propagation, which is another critical property of an optimal drug candidate."

The biological activity of ProMIS mAbs was tested in vitro using an assay that mimics the in vivo stages of Aβ aggregation and propagation (where toxic prion-like forms of Aβ spread throughout the brain, killing neurons). All five ProMIS mAb therapeutic candidates (and backup candidates) completely or nearly completely inhibited all phases of propagation, a process that is pivotal in the development of AD.

"These results further validate our approach to developing an effective AD therapeutic, as blocking propagation of toxic forms of Aβ inhibits a key process in the development and progression of AD," commented Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS CEO. "Recent clinical trial results also support the optimal target profile of our five therapeutic candidates, with Lilly recently reporting reduced efficacy of Solanezumab due to unproductive binding (to the more abundant Aβ monomers) and Biogen reporting edema (brain swelling) associated with Aducanumab which is known to target plaque."

Having demonstrated its five mAb therapeutic candidates block prion-like propagation, ProMIS is conducting additional in vitro studies to evaluate the therapeutic candidates' ability to directly inhibit the neurotoxicity of prion-like forms of Aβ. ProMIS expects the results of these studies will enable the selection of the optimal mAb therapeutic(s) to advance to clinical development.

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

The mission of ProMIS Neurosciences is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

ProMIS Neurosciences' proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform—ProMIS^™ and Collective Coordinates — to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences aims to develop novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has a preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutic against this target.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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.

For further information please consult the Company's website at: www.promisneurosciences.com

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SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

NATIONAL Equicom: Michael Moore, Tel. [phone], [email protected]; Abby Garfunkel, Tel. [phone], [email protected]; or contact Dr. Elliot Goldstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMIS Neurosciences Inc., Tel. [phone], [email protected]