Latest news with #Alzhiemer
The Print
4 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Harvard researchers may have found key piece to Alzheimer's puzzle. It was in the human brain all along
The disease, which typically affects a large number of those above 65 years of age and is the commonest cause of dementia, is characterised by destruction of memory and mental functions and researchers have been working for decades to find its cure, without success. Scientists associated with the Harvard Medical School in the US say, the key to Alzheimer's—an incurable neurodegenerative condition—could be lithium metal, already well-known in psychiatry for treating conditions such as bipolar disorder. But until now, its deficiency had not been directly linked with Alzheimer's. New Delhi: The findings from a ground-breaking scientific project on early detection, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease may lead to a foundational piece of the puzzle. The latest study, published in journal Nature this month, showed—for the first time—that lithium naturally occurs in the brain, protects it from neurodegeneration and maintains the normal function of all crucial brain cell types. The results—which were a decade in the making—are based on a series of meticulously planned experiments on mice and analyses of human brain tissue, apart from blood samples from people in various stages of cognitive health. 'These observations indicate a physiological role for endogenous lithium that affects brain aging and vulnerability to Alzheimer's,' the scientists noted. It was estimated that in 2021, nearly 50-400 million people worldwide had Alzheimer's, typically associated with high levels of beta-amyloids, a specific type of protein whose build-up can seriously impair functioning of several organs such as the brain. Through this latest project, US scientists found that lithium loss in the human brain is one of the earliest changes leading to Alzheimer's, while in mice, similar lithium depletion accelerated brain pathology and memory decline. Also, the reduced lithium levels stemmed from binding to amyloid plaques and impaired uptake in the brain. A final set of experiments also found that a novel lithium compound that avoids capture by amyloid plaques restored memory in mice. Understandably, clinicians are excited. 'This work shifts lithium from the sidelines to centrestage in Alzheimer's research, revealing it might have an overlooked but important key to understanding the ailment, with implications for its early detection, prevention, and management,' Dr Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist associated with Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, told ThePrint. In India, it is estimated that nearly 8 million people are currently living with Alzheimer's, and this number is projected to double by 2030. Also read: 'Rare' genetic mutation linked to Alzhiemer's resistance in international study Spotting the missing link Experts say that the life-altering disease has for long been associated with clumps of the protein amyloid beta, neurofibrillary tangles of the protein Tau—another crucial protein found in neurons—and loss of a protective type of protein, known as REST. Yet, these never fully explained the exact cause behind the disease. For instance, some people with these abnormalities have the condition but many others don't. For years, research has focused on preventing or slowing beta-amyloid build-up, from early vaccine attempts to more recent monoclonal antibody therapies such as lecanenab and donanenab approved by the US Food And Drug Administration, said Dr Arabinda Mukherjee, neurologist with CMRI Hospital in Kolkata. These newer drugs typically target the beta-amyloid plaque but don't reverse memory loss and only modestly reduce the rate of decline. The risk of the disease has also been linked with genetic and environmental factors but neuroscientists have not been able to figure out why some people with these risk factors develop Alzheimer's but others don't. In this context, the answer thrown by the new study—lithium—could be the critical missing link. The CMRI neurologist said that anything that gives us a new path towards prevention or slowing progression could have a profound impact—not only on patients, but also on their families and the healthcare system. 'This study is a reminder that sometimes solutions may lie in unexpected places, and that even familiar compounds can reveal new possibilities when science takes a closer look,' he underlined. Why a potential game-changer The new findings, experts say, fill a major gap in our understanding of early Alzheimer's pathology and the study is the first to show that lithium is naturally present in the brain and that its levels drop significantly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's. Among the implications of the results, said Dr Kumar, could be the reframing of lithium from a psychiatric drug to a potential nutrient-like neuroprotective agent; as the findings have demonstrated, it plays a physiological role in brain health, not just a pharmacologic one, and its deprivation may be an early driver of Alzheimer's. It may also lead to introduction of amyloid-evading lithium compounds such as lithium orotate, as unlike conventional lithium salts like carbonates, lithium orotate can bypass amyloid sequestration. In mouse models, it rescued memory and halted neuropathology without the toxicity seen at higher doses. Additionally, the work has offered new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues and shown that tracking lithium levels, possibly through blood or imaging, could serve as an early biomarker for disease risk. Low-dose lithium supplementation, especially with plaque-evading forms, may emerge as a preventative or disease-modifying strategy, pointed out Dr Kumar. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: There is a huge treatment gap for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's—how to close it
Toronto Star
28-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
ProMIS Neurosciences Announces Private Placement Financing
TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: PMN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies targeting toxic misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzhiemer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), today announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement (the 'Purchase Agreement') with existing institutional and accredited investors to issue and sell an aggregate of approximately $3.0 million of warrants (the 'Warrants'). The Warrants were sold at a price of $0.1875 per share through a private investment in public equity ('PIPE') financing. The Warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per Warrant Share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five years from the date of initial issuance. The PIPE financing included participation from existing institutional investors, including Ally Bridge Group. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ProMIS anticipates the gross proceeds from the PIPE financing to be approximately $3.0 million, before deducting fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. In conjunction with the proceeds from the exercise of existing warrants, the total gross proceeds to the Company inclusive of the PIPE Offering will be approximately $12.0 million. The PIPE financing is expected to close on July 29, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Proceeds from the PIPE financing are expected to be used to advance the clinical development of PMN310, ProMIS' lead therapeutic candidate, as well as for working capital and other general corporate expenses. The offer and sale of the foregoing securities are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ('Securities Act'), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. ProMIS Neurosciences has agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC registering the resale of the Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants issued in the PIPE financing. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities law of any such state or other jurisdiction. About ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. ProMIS Neurosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies selective for toxic oligomers associated with the development and progression of neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases. The Company's proprietary target discovery engine, EpiSelect™, predicts novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins that cause neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Parkinson's Disease (PD). ProMIS has offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA) and Toronto, Ontario (CAN). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward-looking information') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'excited to', 'targets', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'an opportunity exists', 'is positioned', 'estimates', 'intends', 'assumes', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate' or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might', 'will' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the expected timing for the closing of the PIPE financing and the anticipated use of proceeds from the PIPE financing. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the future of our business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the risk that clinical results or early results may not be indicative of future results, the Company's ability to fund its operations and continue as a going concern, its accumulated deficit and the expectation for continued losses and future financial results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information include, among others, the factors discussed throughout the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For further information: ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Please submit media inquiries to info@ For Investor Relations, please contact: Kaytee Bock Zafereo
Toronto Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
ProMIS Neurosciences Announces $0.8 Million Registered Direct Offering, Priced At-the-Market Under Nasdaq Rules
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: PMN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies targeting toxic misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzhiemer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), today announced that it has raised $0.8 million at-the-market from an existing healthcare focused institutional investor. The company has entered into a definitive agreement for the issuance and sale of pre-funded warrants (the 'Pre-Funded Warrants') to purchase 984,736 common shares, no par value (the 'Common Shares'). The Pre-Funded Warrants were sold at a price of $0.8124 per share, which represents the per share offering price for the Common Shares less a $0.0001 per share exercise price for each such Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately excercisable at a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per share and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 24, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
ProMIS Neurosciences Announces $0.8 Million Registered Direct Offering, Priced At-the-Market Under Nasdaq Rules
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: PMN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies targeting toxic misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzhiemer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), today announced that it has raised $0.8 million at-the-market from an existing healthcare focused institutional investor. The company has entered into a definitive agreement for the issuance and sale of pre-funded warrants (the 'Pre-Funded Warrants') to purchase 984,736 common shares, no par value (the 'Common Shares'). The Pre-Funded Warrants were sold at a price of $0.8124 per share, which represents the per share offering price for the Common Shares less a $0.0001 per share exercise price for each such Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately excercisable at a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per share and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 24, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The gross proceeds to ProMIS are expected to be approximately $0.8 million, before deducting certain offering expenses. ProMIS intends to use the net proceeds from the offering towards its further advancement of the clinical development of PMN310, its lead therapeutic candidate, as well as for working capital and other general corporate expenses. The securities above are being offering pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (333-274658) that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on September 22, 2023, amended on September 27, 2023 and declared effective by the SEC on September 29, 2023. The offering is being made only by means of the written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at . This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of offers to buy any of the securities being offered, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. ProMIS Neurosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies selective for toxic oligomers associated with the development and progression of neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases. The Company's proprietary target discovery engine, EpiSelect™, predicts novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins that cause neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Parkinson's Disease (PD). ProMIS has offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA) and Toronto, Ontario (CAN). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward-looking information') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'pleased to', 'look forward to', 'potential to', 'targets', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'excited about', 'an opportunity exists', 'is positioned', 'estimates', 'intends', 'assumes', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate' or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might', 'will' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the the expected timing for the closing of the offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the future of our business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the Company's ability to fund its operations and continue as a going concern, its accumulated deficit and the expectation for continued losses and future financial results. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the risk that clinical results or early results may not be indicative of future results, the Company's ability to fund its operations and continue as a going concern, its accumulated deficit and the expectation for continued losses and future financial results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information include, among others, the factors discussed throughout the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For further information: Visit us at Please submit media inquiries to info@ For Investor Relations, please contact: Kaytee Bock Zafereo
