ProMIS Neurosciences Identifies Novel Antibody Drug Candidates for Parkinson's Disease

ProMIS Neurosciences 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," said 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 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.

"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," Dr. James Kupiec, ProMIS Chief Medical Officer said.

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 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.

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