SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen BioSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. , today announced further results from pre-clinical tests of Viprovex(TM) for possible use to treat the effects of pulmonary anthrax infection. ImmuneRegen is collaborating with Hyperion Biotechnology Inc. to perform these tests at Hyperion’s research facility located on the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) campus in Brooks City-Base, Texas.
Initial studies in a well-established mouse model system indicate a potential positive effect in the use of Viprovex to both prophylactically and therapeutically treat the effects of a near lethal anthrax-exposure. Animals exposed to near lethal doses of anthrax spores were treated with Viprovex either before anthrax exposure or afterwards and test results indicated a survival rate ranging from 20% to 70% of control animals that otherwise would likely have died. In vitro studies confirm elevation of multiple classes of immunomodulators in response to Viprovex, and management believes these results add further support to continued efforts towards additional testing of Viprovex. “The company is optimistic in its development of the compound for this unmet medical need,” says a company spokesperson.
Studies utilizing a formulation of the same active ingredient, Homspera(TM), in an animal model of lethal radiation exposure, show increased survival and immune system reconstitution, lending credence to the hypothesis that Homspera may be of value in a number of biodefense applications.
About Viprovex
Viprovex is the trade name used in referring to formulations of Homspera for potential indications for treatment of maladies caused by exposure to various chemical and biological agents. Homspera is a generic name used by the Company to describe the synthetic peptide Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance P. Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance P is an analog of the naturally occurring human neuropeptide Substance P, which can be found throughout the body, including in the airways of humans and many other species. All of the Company’s research and development efforts are early, pre-clinical stage and both Homspera and Viprovex have only undergone exploratory studies to evaluate their biological activity in small animals.
About Hyperion
Hyperion Biotechnology was founded in 1998 and has active programs in the area of biomarker discovery, wound healing, performance enhancement, infectious disease treatment and other homeland security related topics. These research efforts have been funded by contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD).
About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
IR BioSciences Holdings Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc., is a development stage biotechnology company focused on the research and development of Homspera(TM) and its derivatives Radilex(TM) and Viprovex(TM), which are designed to be used as countermeasures for multiple homeland security bioterrorism threats. Homspera is derived from modified Substance P, a naturally occurring peptide immunomodulator and homeostatic compound with the dual effect of improving pulmonary function and the stimulation of the human immune system. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.immuneregen.com.
Statements about the Company’s future expectations, including statements about the potential for the Company’s drug candidates, science and technology, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These future events may not occur as and when expected, if at all, and, together with the Company’s business, are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from expected results as a result of a number of factors, including the fact that preliminary results involved only a small number of test mice, the subsequent investigations were limited in scope, the uncertainties inherent in research and development collaborations, pre-clinical and clinical trials and product development programs, (including, but not limited to the fact that future results or research and development efforts may prove less encouraging than current results or cause side effects not observed in current pre-clinical trials) the evaluation of potential opportunities, the level of corporate expenditures, capital market conditions, and others set forth in the Company’s periodic report on Form 10-QSB for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and on Form 10-KSB for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are no guarantees that any of the Company’s proposed products will prove to be commercially successful. The Company undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
Investor relations: Tony Schor or Lindsay Kenoe Investor Awareness, Inc. 847-945-2222 www.investorawareness.com MEDIA CONTACT: W. Jason Grimley Spelling Communications 310-477-9500 jgrimley@spellcom.com
ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Investor Relations, Tony Schor or Lindsay Kenoe, both of InvestorAwareness, Inc., +1-847-945-2222; or Media, W. Jason Grimley of SpellingCommunications, +1-310-477-9500, jgrimley@spellcom.com, all for ImmuneRegenBioSciences, Inc.
Web site: http://www.immuneregen.com/
