Antibody Candidates Targeting Toxic Oligomers Implicated in Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Advance to the Final Stage of ProMIS Discovery Platform

TSX:PMN; OTCQB: ARFXF

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, June 26, 2018 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that numerous antibodies against two new targets in neurodegenerative diseases have entered the final stage of discovery. These antibody candidates target the aggregated, toxic oligomers of alpha-synuclein, implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as TDP43 (TAR DNA binding protein), implicated in the development of ALS.

"ProMIS' proprietary discovery platform consists of two stages" according to Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. "The first stage involves predicting novel epitope targets and using these to generate large numbers of candidate antibodies. The second stage is to validate selectivity, functional activity, and select the best leads. We are very pleased with our progress so far in identifying epitopes displayed by the two additional toxic oligomers that are the root cause of these devastating diseases and are moving into the validation and selection phase with these targets."

Hundreds of monoclonal antibodies have been generated against these predicted disease-specific epitopes and ProMIS has now begun the validation and prioritization process to select therapeutic candidates displaying an ideal, highly selective product profile against these targets.

"The outstanding efficiency of our unique discovery platform is exemplified by the success of our lead Alzheimer's disease program which led to the rapid identification and validation of PMN310, our therapeutic antibody candidate that is selective for toxic oligomers of amyloid beta, a root cause of AD," said Johanne Kaplan, ProMIS Chief Development Officer. "We are applying a similar, rigorous evaluation process to the numerous antibody candidates against toxic oligomers of alpha-synuclein and TDP43 and anticipate generating the scientific data required to select the best lead(s) over the coming months."

"This progress exemplifies the power of our unique discovery platform and will help us carry out the corporate strategy we have articulated," said Gene Williams, ProMIS Executive Chairman. "We are actively pursuing discussions with large pharma regarding partnering of these two new toxic oligomer programs."

Native TDP43 is normally found in the nucleus of all cells, including nerve cells. In ALS, misfolded, TDP43 aggregates (oligomers) mislocalize to the cytoplasm of the neuron where their presence correlates with cell death. These toxic forms of TDP43 can also propagate from nerve cell to nerve cell in prion-like fashion.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons located in the midbrain and the presence of neuronal inclusions (Lewy bodies/Lewy neurites) consisting mainly of aggregates of alpha-synuclein. Recent evidence suggests that alpha-synuclein toxicity resides primarily with the oligomeric form and not monomers or insoluble fibrils. Aggregated, toxic alpha-synuclein can also propagate in a prion-like manner.

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

ProMIS Neurosciences is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing precision medicine therapeutics to treat 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 (DSEs) 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.TO, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

For further information please consult the Company's website at:  www.promisneurosciences.com

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Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.  This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates",  believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Thousands support Canadian Mental Health Association's 7^th annual Ride Don't Hide

TORONTO, June 26, 2018 /CNW/ - On Sunday, more than 7,750 Canadians in 31 communities across the country cycled in the 7^th annual Ride Don't Hide event, raising an estimated $1,830,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

The largest mental health bike ride in Canada, Ride Don't Hide raises much-needed funds for a variety of community mental health programs and services, and helps to eliminate the stigma of mental illness by inviting participants to "ride in plain sight."

"Accepting, understanding and talking about mental illness can help alleviate the pain of stigma and stereotypes," says Dr. Patrick Smith, national CEO, CMHA. "In order to thrive in life, we all need to feel hope, build resilience and a strong sense of connection and belonging, which the community spirit around Ride Don't Hide really fosters. Thank you for your incredible support."

The annual ride creates a safe, open community where individuals can talk about their mental health free of judgment.

"When I'm not mentally healthy, I'm not really living," says Neil Paterson, a three-year returning rider from Victoria, BC. "I'm 56, but I've only lived about 45 of those years. Ride Don't Hide has given me a place to try and pull a positive out of my own patchy mental health."

Ride Don't Hide started in 2010 after Michael Schratter, a Vancouver teacher who had experienced stigma while living with bipolar disorder, embarked on a 40,000 km ride around the globe for mental health.

"It occurred to me that, if approximately twenty per cent—or one in five—Canadians experienced a mental health issue in a given year, then where are those 7 million Canadians?" asked Schratter. "Stigma stops when we, the twenty per cent, reveal ourselves… mental illness is so common and so varied, it is nothing but an integral part of what it is to be human."

Seven years later, many high-profile Canadians are cycling or speaking up about mental illness as Ride Don't Hide ambassadors, including Olympic rower Silken Laumann, indie rock band the Elwins, Olympic hurdler Noelle Montcalm and 23-year-old Ryan Martin, cycling across Canada, and chronicling his experience online at www.mindcycle.ca and on Instagram @mindcycle_canada.

"It's not easy to talk about your struggles—it's nerve racking, it's the ultimate vulnerability, but it's also the most liberating and empowering thing you can do. Once you start opening up, you are slowly releasing the built-up pressure inside of you. Less pressure equals less suffering," says Martin.

Canadians can still donate to this year's Ride Don't Hide until July 31, 2018. They can do so in person at their local CMHA branch or region, or by visiting www.ridedonthide.com.

Ride Don't Hide returns next year on June 23rd, 2019. Follow @CMHANational on Facebook for more information about the event.

About Ride Don't Hide

Ride Don't Hide is the Canadian Mental Health Association's flagship fundraising campaign focused on reducing stigma and raising money for mental health. First launched with Michael Schratter's 40,000 km ride around the globe in 2010, the 7th annual Ride Don't Hide is a national event held on June 24th in 31 communities, across seven provinces, from Tofino, BC, to St. John's, NL. The Ride has raised $7.8 million in funding for mental health programs and services in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.ridedonthide.com.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, visit www.cmha.ca

Launches "Feed Her Future" Awareness Campaign

OTTAWA, June 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Following a successful G7 Summit earlier this month, where gender equality and Canada's feminist international assistance policy were key points of discussion, CARE Canada and its partners are launching the "Feed Her Future" public awareness campaign. Today's launch also marks just under one-year to the Women Deliver Conference – the world's largest gathering on the health, rights, and wellbeing of women and girls, set to take place on June 3, 2019 in Vancouver.

"Feed Her Future" shows Canadians that CARE's gender and nutrition programming is an important example of Canadian aid projects that put women and girls first.

Over the past two years, CARE Canada and its project partners – Cuso International, the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development (ICAD), and McGill University – have been working directly with communities in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia to improve the nutritional status of women and children. The project, known as the Southern African Nutrition Initiative, is funded by the Government of Canada and is shining the light on women and girls' access to proper nutrition as a basic human right.

CARE aims to reach over 575,000 individuals by working with women, men, healthcare providers and community volunteers in each of the project countries to foster an environment where women and girls can become champions of their own futures. This is the foundation of our gender transformative nutrition programming – we take a human rights approach to women and girls' right to food.

Gender inequality is a significant determinant of women's nutritional status and one of the key barriers to women exercising their right to food. Inequality determines who eats first, who eats last, whose right to food is protected, and whose right to food is discriminated. We have seen first-hand that providing health and nutrition education creates healthier individuals and stronger communities.

"The goal of the Feed Her Future campaign is simple: we want to raise awareness and engage with Canadians about the importance of giving women and girls access to proper nutrition – and everything that 'access to nutrition' entails," said CARE Canada's CEO Gillian Barth on behalf of all program partners. "Canadians feel a strong sense of pride in our ability to drive positive change at home and globally. It's because of Canadians that CARE is able to provide this dedicated programming to women and girls in in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia."

"By seizing the global spotlight that comes with serving as host country, Canadians have a unique opportunity to power progress for girls and women at home and around the world. Women Deliver is thrilled to see so many individual Canadians and Canadian organizations stepping up for gender equality and the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women," said Katja Iversen, President/CEO of Women Deliver.

The Women Deliver Conference, to be hosted next June in Vancouver, will focus on accelerating progress for girls' and women's health matters, education, environment, political participation, economic empowerment, and access to resources; including nutrition. CARE looks forward to engaging in the discussion, to sharing our experiences, and highlighting best practices.

With the help of our partners, our teams on the ground, and the generosity of Canadians, our goal is to uncover the social and gender norms that are affecting women's access to nutrition so women and girls are empowered to create sustainable change. This is how Canadians can help to #FeedHerFuture.

Connect with us and join in the conversation @FeedHerFuture. Read, like, share and comment. To learn more about the Feed Her Future programming, visit us at www.FeedHerFuture.ca.

For the campaign backgrounder, please click here.

Kip Kangogo defends his title with seventh win in 10 races

VANCOUVER, June 24, 2018 /CNW/ - More than 6,700 people took part in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k, raising an estimated $970,000 for 70 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This brings the grand total since 2007 to over $8 million.

"Thanks to the commitment of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge participants and the generosity and support of the people of Vancouver, we've seen our fundraising efforts make a meaningful impact in the community, year after year," said Larry Clements, District Vice President of Vancouver and Richmond District at Scotiabank. "Scotiabank's goal has always been to help create a better life for people in the communities we serve. That's why we're so excited to celebrate the 12th annual Scotiabank Charity Challenge during the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k."

Lethbridge Alberta's Kip Kangogo cruised to his seventh victory at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, while Vancouver's Dayna Pidhoresky had an impressive win over pre-race favourite Sasha Gollish.

Kangogo started out with an easy pace and took an early lead over a pack of eight runners at the eight kilometre mark. He extended his lead at Jericho beach and never looked back, clocking in at 1:07:24. He was able to hold on to the win by beating Vancouverite, Anthony Tomsich, who came in second with a time of 1:08:04. Calgary's Benard Onsare, who is coming off a lengthy injury, was third with a time of 1:09:37. Dayna Pidhoresky, who took the women's title with a time of 1:13:06, was able to hold off current series leader, Sasha Gollish with a time of 1:15:05. Cold Lake Alberta's Emily Setlack was third with a time of 1:16:46.

Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their infinite potential, and many organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on our local youth. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank aims to help provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. This year's top fundraising charity is Cassie & Friends, with 170 participants raising $215,000 to support juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners in these races to support local causes that make a significant impact on Canadian communities. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all related transaction and credit card fees. Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montréal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.

Participants who raised $2,500 as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge will receive 1000 SCENE^® Points. Learn how to take part in this offer.

2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k Results

Half-Marathon Results 

Half-Marathon Male

 

Half-Marathon Female

 

5k Results

5k Male

 

5k Female

 

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

Twitter and Instagram Hashtags: #ScotiaHalf #RunScotia #InfinitePotential

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is organized by the Canada Running Series, the nation's premier running circuit with 7 events: 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver and 1 in Montreal.  It annually attracts some 60,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities.  The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.  Our mission is "building community through the sport of running."

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 24 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 89,000 employees and assets of over $926 billion (as at April 30, 2018), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank.

FRANKFURT, ODENSE, Denmark, PRAGUE and MADRID, June 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) ("Canopy Growth" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the operations of its European subsidiaries as the company continues its pursuit of sustainable market expansion, ranging from production and processing to distribution in federally legal European markets.

Successful clone transfer brings Spectrum Cannabis Denmark significantly closer to producing European-grown cannabis

With the successful transfer of live cannabis clones from Madrid-based partner, Alcaliber SA ("Alcaliber") to Spectrum Cannabis Denmark ApS ("Spectrum Cannabis Denmark"), the Company continues its expansion in Europe. Soon, export from Canada to Europe will be replaced with European GMP production. With legal frameworks in place in the major economies of Germany and Italy, the Company is applying its proven strategy of investing early in best-in-class GMP production platforms to offer patients and regulators a reliable source of medical cannabis close to home.

Having sustainable regional production capacity sufficient to meet demand is core to the European strategy for Spectrum Cannabis and growing operations have now begun at the Company's greenhouse facility in Odense, Denmark.

First European Transfer Completed from Germany to the Czech Republic

Representing a significant step forward for European distribution capabilities, the Company has completed a transfer of high quality medical cannabis from Spektrum Cannabis Germany to Annabis Medical s.r.o., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

In addition, as part of growing a consistent operation across Europe, the recently acquired Annabis Medical will be operating as Spectrum Cannabis Czech s.r.o. ("Spectrum Cannabis Czech").

Finalizing the product transfer only two months after acquiring Annabis speaks to the Company's desire to quickly serve new markets such as the Czech Republic, and cement its position in the minds of physicians and pharmacists as the preeminent cannabis producer operating within the European continent.

Comment on operations and strategic growth across Europe

"We have been and continue to be focused on being the medical cannabis leader in Europe, by bringing the expertise and credibility we have established in Canada to European markets," said Mark Zekulin, President, Canopy Growth. "These achievements involving four countries that are not Canada reflect our commitment to establishing a strong foundation in Europe, focused not only on high quality production but also medical education and a grounded dialogue about cannabis.''

In addition to its European operations, Spectrum Cannabis' established presence in Australia, South Africa, South America, and of course Canada, represent the world's largest and most diversified cannabis business.

Spectrum Cannabis - Medical Cannabis. Simplified. (Even if the operations are complex.)

About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time.

Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 2.4 million square feet of production capacity, including over 500,000 square feet of GMP-certified production space. The Company has operations in nine countries across five continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis. Through its partly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations, Canopy Growth has invested millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Through its partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company provides resources and investment to new market entrants in order to build a portfolio of stable investments in the sector. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com

About Spectrum Cannabis
Spectrum Cannabis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth, is dedicated to simplifying medical cannabis for patients and healthcare practitioners. Spectrum Cannabis is an international medical business which interfaces with healthcare professionals and patients around the world. Founded in Canada, Spectrum Cannabis operates in Australia, South America, Africa and across Europe. Spectrum Cannabis products are available in a wide range of potencies and formats designed to simplify the dialogue around strength and dosage by applying a colour-coded Spectrum to categorize medical cannabis according to THC and CBD levels. Its product lineup includes whole flower cannabis, oils and new innovations such as Softgels. Through product simplification, easy dosing formats, its Compassionate Pricing Program, in addition to ongoing education of healthcare professionals, Spectrum is committed to improving the lives of medical cannabis patients around the globe.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "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" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include "export from Canada will be replaced with European production", "having sustainable regional production capacity to meet demand is core to the European strategy for Spectrum Cannabis", and "product is fully approved and available following completion of all required control testing within the Czech Republic". Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the successful cultivation of cannabis in Denmark, European medical cannabis regulations and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 28, 2017 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.