Latest news with #PD
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Dark history of town where college student, 22, was found dead is revealed as her family issues heartbreaking statement
The college town where a 22-year-old graduate student died after falling into the Mississippi River following a night of drinking has a dark history of eerily similar deaths stretching back nearly three decades. Eliotte Heinz vanished early Sunday while walking home from a night out in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was last captured on surveillance camera walking alone at 3:22am near the Mississippi River waterfront. A four-day search for Heinz ended in tragedy on Wednesday morning when her body was found floating downstream near Brownsville, Minnesota - more than 10 miles from where she was last seen. It's unclear how Heinz ended up in the river. La Crosse PD said their investigation will remain active as they await autopsy results for an official cause of death. In a heartbreaking statement issued Thursday, Heinz's family remembered her as a 'beautiful person' who was smart, funny, caring, and loved by all who knew her. 'We don't know why we were so blessed to have her as a daughter or why we are unable to keep her. She is amazing and would have continued to amaze us. We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece,' her family wrote. 'Eliotte's walk home is finished. Unfortunately, our family's walk down this new hard path is just beginning.' In a still taken from a security video, Heinz is seen dressed in a white t-shirt and denim shorts. She appears to be holding something in her hand, possibly a cellphone Concerns about the lack of safeguards around the Mississippi in downtown La Crosse have been prevalent for some time. La Crosse is a college town with nearly 20,000 students across its three major institutions: University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Western Technical College, and Viterbo University, where Heinz was enrolled in the mental health counseling program. Between 1997 and 2006, La Crosse was plagued by a spate of alcohol-related accidental drownings that claimed the lives of at least eight college-age students. By 2017, some reports placed the number of deaths at more than a dozen. For a time, speculation was rife that the deaths were being caused by a serial killer dubbed 'Smiley Face,' but those baseless claims were refuted by law enforcement, who determined each of the deaths was the result of excessive drinking, combined with close physical proximity to the river - and not homicide. In 2006, the New York Times reported that local officials had debated for years how to better prevent drunken students from falling into the Mississippi, but 'solutions have so far eluded this community'. La Crosse is renowned for its rich nightlife culture - and even at one point held a Guinness World Record for the most bars and nightclubs on a single street. Numerous bars line the riverfront near Riverside Park, but there are few safeguards in place to prevent intoxicated revelers from falling in. Taking matters into their own hands, students from La Crosse's three largest universities launched Operation: River Watch in 2006, a volunteer program in which students patrol the riverbank on Friday and Saturday nights to steer revelers classmates from the water's edge. The following year, the city placed gates, rails and chains at three entrances to a levee at the city's Riverside Park, close to where one student died in 2006 - but some locals wanted more comprehensive measures. Following Heinz's death, the La Crosse City Vision Foundation is proposing that more safety cameras be installed along the riverfront and on key travel routes between downtown and the river to more quickly alert law enforcement to an unfolding emergency. Heinz's body was found by a fisherman just before 10:30am local time in Brownsville, Minnesota, on Wednesday. Her body was floating face down and wrapped in duckweed, a local business owner told Fox News. Heinz spent her final hours with friends at Bronco's Bar in the city's downtown area, leaving at 2:30am Sunday, when the bar closed. She was then spotted walking alone near the Courtyard Marriott Hotel by a surveillance camera at 3:22am. Where she spent the 50 minutes between leaving the bar and being captured on the hotel's security feed is not clear. The bar and the hotel are just 0.4 miles apart. In a still taken from the security video, Heinz is seen dressed in a white t-shirt and denim shorts. She appears to be holding something in her hand, possibly a cellphone. According to her mom, Heinz was walking back to her apartment at the time the image was captured. The journey should've taken 30 minutes, but she never made it back. A map shows Heinz's last known whereabouts before she was reported missing on Sunday Heinz's cellphone was later found near the hotel by friends who went out looking for her after numerous calls went unanswered, the Daily Mail previously revealed. Her family said they were trying to 'stay positive' as the search for her stretched into a fourth day on Wednesday. However, within hours, a tragic discovery was made in Minnesota. 'This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,' said La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron, announcing Heinz's death. 'Our thoughts are with Eliotte's family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte.' Heinz's alma mater also released a statement, mourning her passing. 'There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her,' said Viterbo University President Dr. Rick Trietley. 'Our hearts go out to Eliotte's family. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief.' Viterbo will hold a memorial service in Eliotte's honor this fall, in coordination with her family, once students return to campus, the school said. The investigation into Heinz's death remains ongoing.
Business Wire
13 hours ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Coya Therapeutics Announces Publication of Scientific Research Linking Inflammation and Oxidative Stress to the Progression of Parkinson's Disease
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: COYA) ('Coya' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing biologics that enhance regulatory T cell (Treg) function in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, announces the publication of a new research study, partially funded by Coya. The study, led by Drs. Aaron Thome, a scientific advisor to Coya, and Stanley H. Appel, the chairperson of Coya's Scientific Advisory Board, explores the role of immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PD. It was published in the scientific journal Frontiers of Immunology, which can be accessed here. PD is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. This degeneration leads to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and psychiatric disturbances. Peripheral immune dysfunction, characterized by altered cytokine levels and dysregulated immune cell function, appears to play a significant role in PD pathogenesis. Dr Stanley Appel, Director Johnston Center for Cellular Therapeutics at Houston Methodist Hospital commented: 'The data offer strong insights into how peripheral inflammation is a key driver of the pathophysiology of PD. During the early stages of disease, myeloid cells are anti-inflammatory, but in later stages there is increased oxidative stress and proinflammatory signaling that promote peripheral and CNS dysfunction. The observed correlation of peripheral monocytes with disease burden and progression further supports the proposed dual effect of COYA 302. This therapy is designed to both enhance the anti-inflammatory function of Tregs and suppress the inflammation caused by monocytes and macrophages.' 'Results of this novel research study confirm our findings in other serious neurodegenerative diseases driven by sustained inflammation and strengthen our multitargeted immunomodulatory approach as a strategy for treating severe conditions with high unmet needs' Dr Fred Grossman, Chief Medical Officer, added. Highlights of Study Results This cross-sectional study in peripheral blood monocytes isolated from patients with PD and age- and sex-matched controls showed differential expression of inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and chemotactic receptor transcripts, as summarized below: Upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b) transcripts was observed in PD monocytes compared to control monocytes, and its expression increased with advanced stages of PD. The chemokine receptor C-C receptor type 2 (CCR2), which facilitates monocyte migration to sites of inflammation, was upregulated in PD monocytes compared to controls. Additionally, CCR2 expression was increased in early PD and continued to rise with advancing disease stages. Transcripts of the mannose receptor (MRC1/CD206), a marker of alternatively activated (M2) myeloid cells, were upregulated in early-stage PD monocytes but declined with disease progression, resulting in decreased expression in late-stage disease. CD163, a scavenger receptor associated with immunoregulation and protection from oxidative stress, was increased in monocytes from PD patients. CD163 transcripts were low in early-stage PD but increased with disease progression. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A or PGC-1α), an important transcriptional activator, exhibited a slight but non-significant increase in early-stage PD monocytes. However, its transcript levels progressively declined as the disease advanced. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an antioxidant enzyme implicated in PD, was elevated in PD monocytes compared to controls. When stratified by disease stage, GPX4 expression increased early but declined in later stages of disease. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) are NAD⁺-dependent deacetylases with critical roles in oxidative stress responses, mitochondrial regulation, and inflammation. SIRT1 transcripts were upregulated in PD monocytes relative to controls; expression increased during early and intermediate disease stages but declined with disease progression. Conversely, SIRT3 transcripts were reduced in PD monocytes, with early stage decreases that became more pronounced as disease advanced. About COYA 302 COYA 302 is an investigational and proprietary biologic combination therapy with a dual immunomodulatory mechanism of action intended to enhance the anti-inflammatory function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppress the inflammation produced by activated monocytes and macrophages. COYA 302 comprises proprietary low dose interleukin-2 (LD IL-2) and CTLA-4 Ig and is being developed for subcutaneous administration for the treatment of patients with ALS. These mechanisms may have additive or synergistic effects. COYA 302 is an investigational product not yet approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. About Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease is a type of neurologic movement disorder, affecting the brain and causing difficulty with movements, or motor symptoms. It is characterized by its most common motor symptoms - tremors (a form of rhythmic shaking), stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement (called bradykinesia) - but also manifests in non-motor symptoms including sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others, which can be present well before any visible motor symptoms. It is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time and can affect the ability to perform common daily activities. There are an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson's disease and more than 10 million people worldwide. Most people who develop the symptoms of Parkinson's disease do so after the age of 50, but Parkinson's disease can affect younger persons as well. Approximately 10% of Parkinson's diagnoses occur before age 50. 1,2 1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website (accessed July 2025). 2. Parkinson's Foundation website (accessed July 2025). About Coya Therapeutics, Inc. Headquartered in Houston, TX, Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: COYA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary treatments focused on the biology and potential therapeutic advantages of regulatory T cells ('Tregs') to target systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Dysfunctional Tregs underlie numerous conditions, including neurodegenerative, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, and this cellular dysfunction may lead to sustained inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in lack of homeostasis of the immune system. Coya's investigational product candidate pipeline leverages multiple therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions of Tregs. Coya's therapeutic platforms include Treg-enhancing biologics, Treg-derived exosomes, and autologous Treg cell therapy. For more information about Coya, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 'forward-looking' statements that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including information concerning our business plans and objectives, current and future clinical and preclinical development activities, timing and success of our ongoing and planned clinical trials and related data, the timing of announcements, updates and results of our clinical trials and related data, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval, the potential therapeutic benefits and economic value of our product candidates, competitive position, industry environment and potential market opportunities. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors including, but not limited to, those related to risks associated the success, cost and timing of our product candidate development activities and ongoing and planned clinical trials; our plans to develop and commercialize targeted therapeutics; the progress of patient enrollment and dosing in our preclinical or clinical trials; the ability of our product candidates to achieve applicable endpoints in the clinical trials; the safety profile of our product candidates; the potential for data from our clinical trials to support a marketing application, as well as the timing of these events; our ability to obtain funding for our operations; development and commercialization of our product candidates; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our product candidates; the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates, and our ability to serve those markets; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; future agreements with third parties in connection with the commercialization of our product candidates; our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection; our dependence on third party manufacturers; the success of competing therapies or products that are or may become available; our ability to attract and retain key scientific or management personnel; our ability to identify additional product candidates with significant commercial potential consistent with our commercial objectives; and our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed herein may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although our management believes that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Amprion Announces Strategic Growth Initiatives, Expanding Access to Breakthrough SAAmplify Test
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amprion, a global leader advancing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders through seed amplification testing, has announced several strategic growth initiatives to broaden access to its SAAmplify-ɑSYN test. These initiatives include a comprehensive website refresh, expanded test availability via Mayo Clinic's network of hospitals and clinical sites, and ongoing preparations for international expansion. As part of its continuing growth and commitment to advancing early and accurate diagnosis, Amprion will showcase its latest developments and momentum at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), July 27-31, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Attendees can connect with the Amprion team at booth #616. Following its recent collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Amprion launched a newly redesigned website to meet the growing demand for its SAAmplify-ɑSYN test, which aids in the diagnosis of synucleinopathies. The breakthrough test can detect the presence of aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein, the underlying pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Alzheimer's disease with Lewy bodies (AD + DLB), in cerebrospinal fluid. Launched earlier this month, the updated website is designed to provide patients, clinicians, and industry leaders with streamlined access to Amprion's latest research, information, and more. 'As awareness and demand for our SAAmplify-ɑSYN test grow, we're working to ensure clinicians, researchers, and patients have better access to the tools and information they need,' said Dr. Russ Lebovitz, CEO and co-founder of Amprion. 'Our refreshed website and expanding partnerships are steps toward that goal, and we look forward to connecting with the global neuroscience community at AAIC.' Due to this surge in awareness, Amprion is actively exploring international expansion opportunities, with plans to bring its test to European and global markets. Initial announcements regarding country-specific launch strategies are expected in Q4 2025. For more information or to schedule a meeting with Amprion at AAIC 2025, please visit About SAAmplify-ɑSYN (formerly SYNTap®) Amprion's SAAmplify-ɑSYN test is a first-in-class-qualitative Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and the only seed amplification assay available to aid the diagnosis of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD/DLB), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) with Lewy body co-pathology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Amprion a Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019 for use of the test as an aid in the diagnosis of PD. The test became commercially available in the US in 2021. About Amprion Amprion is the global leader advancing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders through seed amplification testing. Amprion's intellectual property surrounding SAA methodology extends to research, drug development, and commercialization. SAAmplify-ɑSYN (formerly SYNTap®) is the only seed amplification assay available to aid the diagnosis of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease with Lewy body co-pathology. Amprion is also accelerating precision medicine for neurodegenerative disorders by helping biopharma partners identify new drug candidates and underlying pathologies. Learn more at or find us on LinkedIn.
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
