ProMIS Neurosciences Inc (PMN)

[xr_biotech_consult]

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 (Aß) 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 Aß with virtually no binding to Aß 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 Aß aggregation and propagation (where toxic prion-like forms of Aß 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 Aß 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 Aß 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 Aß. ProMIS expects the results of these studies will enable the selection of the optimal mAb therapeutic(s) to advance to clinical development.