Keele University

LEIDEN, Netherlands & CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProQR Therapeutics NV. (Nasdaq: PRQR) (ProQR), a company dedicated to changing lives through transformative RNA therapies based on its proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform, today announced the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shareholders will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 16:00 CET (10:00am EDT) at the offices of Allen & Overy LLP, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. All relevant documents and information for the meeting, including the notice and agenda and explanatory notes, are or will be made available in the “Investors & Media” section of ProQR’s website (www.proqr.com) under “Financials and filings” and then “Shareholder meeting”. The documents will also be made available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders that wish to attend should register as described in the notice and agenda. As part of the AGM, the Company highlights the following Supervisory Board updates: Begoña Carreño, PhD, is nominated for election to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Carreño was most recently Global Business Development & Licensing Head (BD&L) in the Ophthalmology franchise at Novartis Pharma, AG, based in Basel, Switzerland. She has more than 20 years of pharmaceutical development and strategy leadership, having led BD&L efforts at Novartis across five different therapeutic franchises, as well as a proven track record in licensing deals and M&A. Before joining Novartis, she was the Head of External Pharmaceutical projects at Almirall (Barcelona, Spain). Dr. Carreño holds a PhD in Drug Delivery from the London School of Pharmacy (UK) and a BSc in Biochemistry from Keele University (UK).Theresa Heggie is nominated for election to the Supervisory Board. In light of her anticipated re-election to the Supervisory Board, Ms. Heggie departed from the Management Team at the end of October 2022, where she served as the Chief Operating Officer, after originally joining the Management Team in 2021 as the Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to ProQR, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Freeline Therapeutics. She had senior commercial and operating roles at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals as Senior Vice President, Head of CEMEA and Shire where she built the EMEA rare disease business. Earlier in her career, Ms. Heggie held increasingly senior positions in the commercial organizations at Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Baxter Healthcare. She previously served on the ProQR Supervisory Board from 2019-2021.Bart Filius is being nominated for re-election to the Supervisory Board. Mr. Filius has served on ProQR’s Supervisory Board since 2019. He joined Galapagos in 2014 as Chief Financial Officer and added the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2017, he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer in 2021. Prior to joining Galapagos, Mr. Filius held a variety of executive positions at Sanofi, where he was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Europe, Country manager for The Netherlands and Vice President for Mergers & Acquisitions. Prior to joining Sanofi, Mr. Filius was a strategy consultant at Arthur D. Little. Mr. Filius has an MBA degree from INSEAD and a bachelor’s degree in business from Nyenrode University.Antoine Papiernik, Chairman and Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners, has indicated his planned rotation off the ProQR Supervisory Board at the upcoming AGM. He has served on ProQR’s Supervisory Board since 2014. About Axiomer® ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA base editing technology called Axiomer®, which could potentially yield a new class of medicines for diverse types of diseases. Axiomer® “Editing Oligonucleotides”, or EONs, mediate single nucleotide changes to RNA in a highly specific and targeted way using molecular machinery that is present in human cells called ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA). Axiomer® EONs are designed to recruit and direct endogenously expressed ADARs to change an Adenosine (A) to an Inosine (I) in the RNA – an Inosine is translated as a Guanosine (G) – correcting an RNA with a disease-causing mutation back to a normal (wild type) RNA, modulating protein expression, or altering a protein so that it will have a new function that helps prevent or treat disease. About ProQR ProQR Therapeutics is dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA therapies. ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA technology called Axiomer®, which uses a cell’s own editing machinery called ADAR to make specific single nucleotide edits in RNA to reverse a mutation or modulate protein expression and could potentially yield a new class of medicines for both rare and prevalent diseases with unmet need. Based on our unique proprietary RNA repair platform technologies we are growing our pipeline with patients and loved ones in mind. Learn more about ProQR at www.proqr.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to", "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business, technology, strategy, our Axiomer platform, and our product candidates and their therapeutic potential. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including certain sections of our annual report filed on Form 20-F. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the cost, timing and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials and other development activities by us and our collaborative partners; the likelihood of our preclinical and clinical programs being initiated and executed on timelines provided and reliance on our contract research organizations and predictability of timely enrollment of subjects and patients to advance our clinical trials and maintain their own operations; our reliance on contract manufacturers to supply materials for research and development and the risk of supply interruption from a contract manufacturer; the potential for future data to alter initial and preliminary results of early-stage clinical trials; the unpredictability of the duration and results of the regulatory review of applications or clearances that are necessary to initiate and continue to advance and progress our clinical programs; the ability to secure, maintain and realize the intended benefits of collaborations with partners, including the collaboration with Lilly; the possible impairment of, inability to obtain, and costs to obtain intellectual property rights; possible safety or efficacy concerns that could emerge as new data are generated in research and development; and general business, operational, financial and accounting risks, and risks related to litigation and disputes with third parties. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as required by law. For ProQR Therapeutics N.V. Investor contact: Sarah Kiely ProQR Therapeutics N.V. T: +1 617 599 6228 skiely@proqr.com or Hans Vitzthum LifeSci Advisors T: +1 617 430 7578 hans@lifesciadvisors.com Media contact: Robert Stanislaro FTI Consulting T: +1 212 850 5657 robert.stanislaro@fticonsulting.com

Menopause Jennifer Young, Founder of Beauty Despite Cancer, discusses women’s healthcare, the rise of menopause wellness and what men can do to help The word ‘menopause’ conjures up a whole range of feelings and preconceptions. Upon entering menopause, women can experience a range of unwanted symptoms: hot flushes, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog and irregular periods. As a result, and a lack of support, reports show that one in ten women will quit their jobs during the menopause because the symptoms make it too difficult for them to work. But as the conversation around menopause becomes more open and research provides more options, women are finding ways to thrive through hormonal change. Support for women in the menopause Jennifer Young is the Founder of Beauty Despite Cancer, an online resource for those with cancer. She is also the Founder of the Jennifer Young Training School, which teaches therapists to support those living with cancer and those living beyond it through touch therapies. Having supported women in medical as well as natural menopause for many years through her oncology work, in 2021 she launched The Menopause Plus, providing evidence-based holistic support for women in menopause through natural skincare products and hormone balancing spa treatments. “We have been 'celebrating' World Menopause Day for years, so we can see a very clear path in its growth,” she says. “Now we’ve established that the menopause needs to be talked about, the focus has to be on meaningful solutions and support – not simply making noise or slapping 'menopause' on product labels for marketing purposes.” Young is dedicated to supporting women and she is powered by hardworking role models. “In this world, I come across some incredible people with a similar outlook - for example, Jo Taylor, founder of METUP UK is a constant source of inspiration, personally and professionally. I look up to lots of people in different ways, but in my work I tend to focus on doing what I think is right. I’m not enormously influenced by others; I try to focus on looking forwards,” says Young. “The people who really influence me are those who are working for the cancer patients we seek to help, the nurses who want to support their patients beyond their medical role, and the women trying to navigate menopause and constantly coming up against brick walls. I see these challenges and my mindset is always on finding a solution.” Young has been heartened by how loud women's voices are becoming, whether it's approaching parliament about women's rights in the workplace or sharing stories so that other women feel less isolated. But she is mindful of the work yet to be done. “Jennifer Young Training is dedicated to training therapists and healthcare practitioners in specialist touch treatments,” explains Young. “We have two strands to our training: the first, which we are best known for, is our oncology touch therapies, enabling therapists to treat cancer patients meaningfully, effectively and safely; the second is our natural, hormone-balancing treatments for women in menopause.” The second side of her business is in skincare products. Her Beauty Despite Cancer collection provides skincare that’s suitable during cancer treatment and that targets the side effects of cancer. Lastly, The Menopause Plus (MPlus) is a place where women in menopause can find information, products and support. The MPlus products are 100% natural and are formulated to target the unwanted consequences of menopause. “There are limited options available for women looking to address the unwanted side effects of hormone change, MPlus is where we share evidence-based knowledge about holistic solutions,” says Young. To date, the options for women experiencing the often distressing consequences of menopause, have been limited to HRT and/or antidepressants. Young believes that it's important to find what works for each individual. However, many women can't or don't want to take HRT or antidepressants. Young has created evidence-backed treatments and products as an option. “We are continuing to gather more data on a global scale,” she says. Jennifer Young Training began its in-depth research with its State of the Art Scoping Review, commissioned by the UK’s Keele University, which consists of looking at 99 peer reviewed papers. It provides academic validation and statistical scrutiny of holistic therapies on specific symptoms. Jennifer Young “History is littered with comments about difficult women, grumpy older women – observations that correlate with the consequences of menopause” - Jennifer Young The rise of menopause wellness and what men can do to help Young believes that the rise of menopause wellness is down to communication and education. “Not that long ago, menopause was an unmentionable word,” she says. “History and culture is littered with comments about difficult women, grumpy older women, muddle brained women – all sorts of derogatory observations – and so much of that correlates with the consequences of menopause.” Now women are talking about their experiences, there's more information about hormonal change coming out into the open, and men are also joining the conversation. “The missing bit is still providing evidence-based options for women. Lots of women can't take HRT or antidepressants, don't want to take them or want to support their mind and body without medication, as well.” Young believes that support needs to be more multifaceted to address more of the challenges and provide a much wider level of healthcare support for women. “Menopause is a part of life and we want women to thrive – not just survive,” says Young. “This is a time of life where women have an enormous amount to offer – at home, at work and in their personal lives – giving them the right support is for the benefit of us all.” Outside of the healthcare sector and into everyday life, how can men help women going through the menopause? Young recognises that while women feel isolated, the men in their lives can feel helpless. “Listen and learn,” says Young. “Relationships can really suffer during menopause and most women we speak to find that communication is the most important thing.” According to Young, communication helps improve everyone's experience. “One of our therapists, who has been through menopause and found that CBD helped, had a lovely story where her 20-year-old son came home and asked what she had taken because his friend's mum was having a hard time with menopause. How fantastic is that? That a young man is confident enough to engage in that conversation? That's what we need to focus on.”

BUSAITEEN, Bahrain, Nov. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has announced details of a new global university partnership involving its School of Nursing and Midwifery. This partnership is part of the University's strategic aim to prepare its graduates to become global healthcare professionals. Continue Reading RCSI Bahrain nursing students at Bradwell Hospital, Keele UK July 2022 In October 2022, RCSI Bahrain hosted Professor Julie Green, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University, United Kingdom, for a new partnership launch under the Patronage of Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana Bint Isa Bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Education Council Board of Trustees in Bahrain, in the presence of His Excellency Mr Roderick Drummond, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Dr Jamila Jassim Mukhaimer, President of Bahrain Nursing Society. Professor Rebecca Jester, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI Bahrain, stated: "To advance healthcare in Bahrain and beyond, it is critical that nursing students experience a diversity of interactions with patients, interprofessional relations and healthcare environments. Nurses play a vital role in the delivery of primary and community care, and their understanding of patient care in an international context is key to evolving current practices." Thanks to the partnership between Keele University and RCSI Bahrain, a nursing student exchange programme has been launched where nursing students from both universities will visit one another's campuses to participate in learning and teaching activities and attend clinical observerships in local healthcare facilities. The aim of the programme is to provide nursing students with the opportunity to gain insights into nursing education and the healthcare system in a foreign country, enrich their education experience by immersing them in a diverse healthcare environment and support them in becoming well-rounded and competitive nurses who are ready to work in an international and diverse context. Ms Sana AlHaj, RCSI Bahrain nursing Year 4 student, who participated in the exchange with Keele university shared her insight: "In the UK, I noticed that nurses are more specialised in the care they provide, and they play a bigger role as part of the multidisciplinary team. Doctors rely on the nurse practitioners for their expertise and opinions. Now I appreciate the importance of interprofessional relations as a mutually beneficial collaboration." Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, noted: "Healthcare practice requires a lifelong commitment to learning. Whether through research, endeavour or various educational programmes, we support lifelong healthcare education and training. Our deep professional responsibility to fulfill society's greatest need - the advancement of its health and wellbeing - is embedded in all that we do." RCSI Bahrain, is constantly seeking to nurture and expand its international collaborations. With the support of its new and existing partners, the University provides its students and staff with a truly international experience, and over the years it has built a community of global professional colleagues and communities of interest. In 2022, through existing partnerships, a group of 74 students from the School of Medicine at RCSI Bahrain participated in global electives and observerships in Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, UK and USA where they experienced various medical specialties in different regional or global settings and met staff members from some of the most prestigious healthcare institutions worldwide. Dr Tharmegan Tharmaratnam (RCSI Bahrain Medicine Class of 2021), currently a family medicine resident in the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, shared his experience: "My university experience played a pivotal role in my professional and personal growth. RCSI Bahrain helped me develop an international outlook that values diversity and strong communication skills through numerous clinical experiences with diverse patient populations. While healthcare systems may differ across geographic boundaries, I gained the knowledge and skills to adapt to the healthcare setting and patient populations I care for, to best meet their needs and provide optimal patient care". The University's international outlook equips students with the skills and confidence to meet the challenge of delivering healthcare in a complex global environment. About RCSI Bahrain RCSI Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,300 across Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. For more information, please visit RCSI Bahrain Instagram RCSI Bahrain Facebook RCSI Bahrain LinkedIn RCSI Bahrain Twitter Photo - SOURCE RCSI Bahrain