Unique discovery platform generates new antibody candidates that block a root cause of Parkinson’s Disease
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Oct. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -ProMis Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the identification of several potential antibody therapeutic candidates aimed at selectively targeting toxic oligomers of the protein α-synuclein, considered a root cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). “Using our unique discovery platform, we were able to identify several novel targets displayed on toxic oligomers of α-synuclein and generate antibody candidates capable of protecting brain neurons against such toxic oligomers in vitro,” stated ProMIS Executive Chairman Eugene Williams. “We now look forward to further validation and selection of the most promising candidates to move forward in development for PD. We see our emerging Parkinson’s disease program as an ideal pharma partnering opportunity.” ProMIS has retained Red Sky Partners, LLC of Cambridge, Mass., to support partnering efforts for its novel antibody candidates for Parkinson’s disease. In vitro studies, performed at Neuron Experts (Marseille, France), a specialized contract research organization, investigated the neuroprotective effect of ProMIS’ antibodies on rat primary dopaminergic neurons injured by exposure to toxic oligomers of α-synuclein, an in vitro model of PD. In the test, several ProMIS antibodies, selectively targeting toxic oligomers of α-synuclein, significantly blocked the death of neurons induced by these oligomers. Commenting on these results, Dr. James Kupiec, ProMIS Chief Medical Officer stated: “I am truly impressed with the outstanding ability and efficiency of the ProMIS platform to predict novel therapeutic targets and generate highly selective therapeutic antibodies for multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Having recently joined ProMIS from my prior position as VP, Global Clinical Leader for Parkinson’s Disease at Pfizer, I expect further development of these antibody candidates will offer real hope for disease-modifying therapy in PD.” Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons located in the midbrain and the presence of intraneuronal inclusions (Lewy bodies/Lewy neurites), consisting mainly of aggregates of α-synuclein that can propagate from cell to cell. Recent published data indicate 1,2,3,4 that a-synuclein toxicity resides primarily with these aggregated, oligomeric forms of the protein. Pursuant to its expanded license agreement with the University of British Columbia, ProMIS holds exclusive, worldwide license to these novel therapeutic targets and antibodies; patent filings have been submitted to the United States Patent Office. References: 1Fusco et al, 2017, Science; 2Choi et al, 2018, Cell Reports; 3Peelaerts et al, 2015, Nature; 4Games et al, 2014, J Neuroscience About ProMIS Neurosciences About Neuron Experts For further information about ProMIS Neurosciences, please consult the Company’s website at: www.promisneurosciences.com Follow us on Twitter The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains 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. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/promis-neurosciences-identifies-novel-antibody-drug-candidates-for-parkinsons-disease-300728929.html SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. |
Company Codes: OTC-QB:ARFXF, Toronto:PMN |