ProMIS Neurosciences Presents Preclinical Results of its Experimental Alzheimer’s Vaccine at the 2022 International AD/PDTM Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders

Rhea-AI Summary

ProMIS Neurosciences has made significant strides in developing a novel Alzheimer's vaccine targeting toxic amyloid-beta oligomers (AβO). Presenting at the AD/PD™ Conference, the Chief Development Officer, Dr. Johanne Kaplan, highlighted the vaccine's ability to elicit antibodies specifically against AβO while avoiding detrimental immune responses to normal Aβ forms. Initial tests in mice have indicated robust antibody production with limited inflammatory responses, paving the way for further development. The proprietary computational modeling used in the vaccine design showcases ProMIS's innovative approach to tackling neurodegenerative diseases.

Positive

• Experimental Alzheimer's vaccine demonstrates robust antibody induction with minimal inflammatory response.
• Vaccine selectively targets toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, reducing potential side effects.
• Initial results support further development of the vaccine.

Negative

• None.

Customized vaccine selectively targets toxic amyloid-beta oligomers  

TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics targeting misfolded proteins such as toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, announced today in vivo results of its experimental Alzheimer’s vaccine presented at the AD/PD^TM International Conference held in Barcelona Spain, March 15-20, 2022.

ProMIS Chief Development Officer, Dr. Johanne Kaplan, delivered an on-site oral presentation entitled: “Optimizing vaccine design for Alzheimer’s disease:  selective targeting of computationally-derived conformational B cell epitopes of soluble amyloid-beta toxic oligomers". The presentation discussed the design of an amyloid-beta (Aβ) vaccine to elicit antibodies that are selective for toxic amyloid-beta oligomers (AβO) without inducing a potentially detrimental immune response to normal forms of Aβ.

Using its proprietary computational modeling, ProMIS previously identified conformational epitopes that are exposed on misfolded, toxic AβO, but not on amyloid monomers or plaque. Importantly, antibodies raised against these conformational epitopes have demonstrated selectivity and protective activity against toxic AβO^1-3.
ProMIS’ experimental vaccine, containing one of these conformational epitopes, was tested in mice in collaboration with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada.
Initial results showed robust induction of antibodies to the vaccine in the presence of various adjuvants, including alum approved for human use. The serum antibodies elicited were selective for AβO with little or no binding to monomers or plaque. Importantly, no potentially deleterious cellular responses to the vaccine were detected.

“Immunization of mice with our experimental Alzheimer’s vaccine appears to exhibit the desired characteristics. It elicits high levels of antibodies with no measurable pro-inflammatory response and warrants further development”, stated Dr. Johanne Kaplan. “Furthermore, oligomer selectivity of the antibodies elicited by the vaccine most efficiently focuses the response on the neutralization and clearance of the pathogenic species of Aβ and potentially reduces the risk of side-effects associated with antibody binding to plaque and vascular deposits of Aβ.”   

¹ Silverman et al. 2016. AAIC poster P4-400;
²Silverman et al. 2018. ACS Chem Neurosci 9: 1591-1606;
³Gibbs et al. 2019. Scientific Reports 9:9870

Dr. Kaplan’s slide presentation and a related short, narrated video are available on the ProMIS website (https://www.promisneurosciences.com/news-media/videos)

AD/PD^TM is the groundbreaking series of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases Conferences attracting international medical and scientific professionals worldwide. The Conference is at the forefront of unraveling the mechanisms and improving the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other related neurodegenerative diseases. AD/PD™ Conferences uniquely combine distinct neurodegenerative diseases in one setting and examine their similarities and differences; there is a strong focus on mechanisms of disease, prevention, and therapy.

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics selectively targeting toxic misfolded oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Company’s proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary computational modeling techniques. The Company applies its molecular dynamics, computational discovery platform -ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates - to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF

To learn more, visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

For Investor Relations please contact:
Alpine Equity Advisors
Nicholas Rigopulos, President
nick@alpineequityadv.com
Tel. 617 901-0785

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.

FAQ

What are the key findings from ProMIS Neurosciences' Alzheimer's vaccine presentation at the AD/PD Conference?

ProMIS reported robust antibody induction against toxic amyloid-beta oligomers with minimal inflammatory responses, indicating potential effectiveness in treating Alzheimer's disease.

What is the focus of ProMIS Neurosciences' ongoing research?

ProMIS is focused on developing therapeutics that selectively target misfolded proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's disease.

What did Dr. Johanne Kaplan emphasize during the presentation regarding the vaccine?

Dr. Kaplan emphasized the vaccine's selective targeting of toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, which may reduce side effects commonly associated with other treatments.

What is the significance of using computational modeling in ProMIS's vaccine development?

Computational modeling helps identify specific conformational epitopes on toxic oligomers, enabling the development of a vaccine that effectively targets harmful proteins without affecting normal forms.

How could ProMIS Neurosciences' experimental vaccine impact the Alzheimer's market?

If successful, the vaccine could represent a breakthrough treatment option for Alzheimer's disease, potentially influencing the competitive landscape and market dynamics for neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.