ProMIS Neurosciences announces positive validation of novel antibody therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's disease

 Several antibodies show desired target binding profile in cadaveric tissue from
 patients with Alzheimer's

TSX: PMN

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences ("ProMIS" or the "Company"), a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that at least three of its antibody therapeutic candidates targeting prion-like strains of Amyloid beta (Aβ) have successfully completed validation in cadaveric brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The successful product candidates demonstrated the desired target profile of binding to brain tissue extracts and CSF from AD patients while not binding to plaque, as evidenced by microscopic examination (immunohistochemistry) of AD brain tissue. These monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics have been designed to selectively bind only to distinct epitope targets specific for the neurotoxic, prion-like strains of misfolded Aβ, which are widely believed to play a key role in the development and progression of AD.

"To date, our on going validation program in AD cadaveric brain tissue and CSF has successfully identified at least three mAb product candidates showing what is now considered to be the ideal Aβ target binding profile, which is specificity for the prion-like strains of Aβ, with no binding to Aβ monomers or plaque", said ProMIS' CSO, Dr. Neil Cashman.

Results of prior AD clinical trials with mAbs targeting Aβ support the ideal product profile of selective binding only to the neurotoxic, prion-like forms of Aβ. In such trials, mAbs binding to Aβ monomer (e.g. bapineuzemab, solanezumab) were associated with target distraction and lack of efficacy, whereas binding to Aβ plaque (e.g. bapineuzemab, aducanumab) appeared related to significant adverse events such as neurovascular edema (brain swelling), also called ARIA-E (Amyloid related imaging abnormalities with edema).

"Our process for selecting lead products for drug development has allowed identification of several product candidates with the ideal target binding profile," commented Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS CEO. "We now look forward to the final stage of functional validation to select for drug development the mAb products that block the neurotoxicity and propagation of the prion-like forms of Aβ".

The Company applied its proprietary discovery platform, consisting of ProMIS^TM and Collective Coordinates, to successfully identify distinct target epitopes on prion-like strains of misfolded Aβ.

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]