ProMIS Neurosciences Oligomer Selective Antibody Therapeutic for Alzheimer’s Disease, PMN310, Shows Potential for Improved Safety Profile in Direct Comparison to Other Amyloid Beta-Directed Antibodies in Clinical Development
Lack of PMN310 binding to amyloid deposits in Alzheimer’s brain tissue may eliminate dose-limiting brain swelling seen with BAN2401 and aducanumab
TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts – August 21, 2018 – ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN; OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that its lead antibody candidate for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), PMN310, showed no binding to amyloid beta (Ab) plaque in AD brain samples in stark contrast to BAN2401 and aducanumab which both displayed robust Ab plaque reactivity. These findings extend the results ProMIS announced in January 2018, showing greater selectivity of PMN310 for Ab oligomers compared to aducanumab. Binding of therapeutic antibodies to Ab deposits in brain tissue, in particular blood vessels, is believed to underlie the development of ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities; brain swelling and microhemorrhages) in treated AD patients.
Commenting on these results, ProMIS President and CEO, Elliot Goldstein, MD, stated: “PMN310 was designed to selectively target soluble toxic Ab oligomers, now widely believed to be a root cause of AD. By not targeting Ab plaque, especially in and around blood vessels in the brain, we anticipate PMN310 may not be associated with the dose-limiting brain swelling seen with plaque-binding antibody therapeutics like BAN2401 and aducanumab. Confirmation of such an improved safety profile in clinical trials would allow for administration of higher doses to AD patients, thereby potentially leading to greater therapeutic potency of PMN310.”
The binding profile of PMN310 in human AD brain tissues was directly compared to that of BAN2401 and aducanumab in a preclinical study using the technique of immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results of the study showed binding of BAN2401 and aducanumab to Ab plaque throughout the brain and in association with blood vessels. Conversely, binding of PMN310 to Ab plaque was not observed in any region of the AD brain tissues.
BAN2401 (Esai/Biogen) and aducanumab (Biogen) appear to target both Ab plaque and soluble Ab oligomers. Recent clinical trials with both BAN2401 and aducanumab, reporting a dose-related response curve (i.e., higher doses enabling greater efficacy) support the targeting of Ab oligomers for the treatment of AD and at the same time indicate that treatment with antibodies also targeting Ab plaque is associated with dose-limiting brain swelling in a significant percentage of AD patients. We have shown in multiple preclinical studies that PMN310 has the advantage of selectively targeting toxic Ab oligomers, with no “off-target” binding to Ab plaque, potentially allowing for the safe administration of higher effective doses of PMN310 compared to BAN2401 or aducanumab.
According to Dr. Goldstein, “Although both BAN2401 and aducanumab have shown encouraging phase 2 clinical results, the greater selectivity and avoidance of plaque binding with PMN310 may confer significant advantages in the clinic supporting PMN310 as potential ‘best in class’ therapy.”
IHC is the process of selectively imaging antigens (e.g. proteins) in cells of a tissue section by exploiting the principle of antibodies (such as PMN310, aducanumab, BAN2401) binding specifically to their antigen targets in biological tissues. In the study referred to above, IHC was used to assess binding of Ab-directed antibodies to Ab plaque in AD brain tissue.
About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic 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 techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform—ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates — to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision medicine approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. 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.
For further information please consult the Company’s website at: www.promisneurosciences.com
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on LinkedIn
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shanti Skiffington
shanti.skiffington@gmail.com
Tel. 617 921-0808
or Kristen Galfetti
kristen.galfetti@promisneurosciences.com
Tel. 617 584-9788
For Investor Relations please contact:
Alpine Equity Advisors
Nicholas Rigopulos, President
nick@alpineequityadv.com
Tel. 617 901-0785
Dr. Elliot Goldstein
President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
Tel. 415 341-5783
Elliot.goldstein@promisneurosciences.com
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, including about the timing and completion of the Offering, the receipt of TSX approval and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. 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.
