ProMIS Neurosciences announces novel Alzheimer's disease therapeutic candidates block the neurotoxicity of prion-like forms of Amyloid beta

Lead therapeutic candidates block both neurotoxicity and spreading of toxic, prion-like forms of Amyloid beta in vitro

TSX: PMN

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences ("ProMIS" or the "Company"), a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the validated monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutic candidates it is developing for Alzheimer's disease (AD) inhibited the direct neurotoxic effect of prion-like forms of Amyloid beta (Aβ) in vitro.

"We previously demonstrated that the mAb therapeutic candidates ProMIS is developing display the optimal target profile of selectively binding prion-like forms of Aβ and inhibiting their propagation (spreading)" stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. "We have now achieved another important milestone by demonstrating that these mAb therapeutic candidates are also capable of inhibiting the direct neurotoxic effects of prion-like forms of Aβ".

The neuroprotective effect of ProMIS mAb therapeutic candidates was investigated using cultures of mouse primary cortical neurons (nerve cells from brain cortex). Incubating the neurons with prion-like forms of Ab results in significant neuronal death, which was largely prevented by the addition of the ProMIS mAb therapeutic candidates to the cultures.

"These results offer additional support to our approach in developing AD therapeutics, as inhibition of both neurotoxicity and propagation of prion-like forms of Aβ are critical features of an effective AD therapeutic," commented Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS CEO. "ProMIS is using its mAb candidates to evaluate the prevalence in cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, of the various targets the Company has identified on prion-like forms of Aβ. Results of this cohort study of CSF samples from AD patients, expected in the first quarter of 2017, are expected to inform on the final selection of mAb therapeutic candidates to advance into development for clinical trials".

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]