SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. , has announced the first round results from its Radilex(TM) studies on Acute Radiation Sickness (ARS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Studies utilizing a mouse model of lethal whole body gamma irradiation suggest that Radilex might have possible applications for treatment of neutropenia and anemia following radiation exposure. In a preliminary experiment performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, animals exposed to lethal radiation (6 Gray to 8 Gray) but which survived following Radilex treatment apparently had higher levels of the infection-fighting white blood cells and higher levels of oxygen-carrying red blood cells than did animals that were not treated with Radilex and that died after radiation exposure.
The project manager for the study, Dr. Dabney Johnson of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, stated that while the differences did not reach statistical significance, " ... more mice survived 8 Gy dose than should have survived, suggesting efficacy of drug treatment.”
Michael Wilhelm, the CEO of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. stated, “While these preliminary results are encouraging, we are in the early stages of development. Although we feel extremely positive, I need to express a cautionary optimism in that animal studies do not necessarily mean Radilex will work in people.”
Upcoming studies at ORNL will be designed to further these observations and provide more detailed insights into the possible therapeutic benefits of Radilex.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is an international leader in a range of scientific areas that support the Department of Energy’s mission in the Office of Science. The laboratory’s six major scientific competencies include neutron science, energy, high performance computing, complex biological systems, advanced materials and national security. ORNL is the Department of Energy’s largest science and energy laboratory. Managed since April 2000 by a partnership of the University of Tennessee and Battelle, ORNL was established in 1943.
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 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-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2006 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.
Contact: W. Jason Grimley Spelling Communications 310-477-9500 jgrimley@spellcom.com
ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
CONTACT: W. Jason Grimley of Spelling Communications, +1-310-477-9500,jgrimley@spellcom.com, for ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
Web site: http://www.immuneregen.com/
