SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen BioSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. , has completed a test on its proprietary compound, Radilex(TM), as a treatment for formalin poisoning. This test is another step in developing a case to demonstrate that Radilex can function as a Universal Protectant, safeguarding the body from radiation, chemical agents, and biological agents. The results of this study, which are now available for review, show a significant decrease in lung injury as a result of formalin inhalation poisoning.
Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde gas in water, was used as the harmful chemical agent in a study designed to simulate a terrorist attack on a chemical plant. The study was conducted at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and led by Dr. Mark Witten, PhD, co-founder and acting head researcher of ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. The major intent of the study was to determine if aerosolized Radilex would be efficacious in attenuating lung injury after formalin exposure. The resulting data indicate that the Radilex treatment, administered before formalin exposure to the lungs, greatly attenuated the lung injury induced by formalin.
“From the results of this study, we hypothesize that Radilex is a candidate for prophylactic use and can be a tremendous asset for first responders and soldiers in war. The data truly help position ImmuneRegen’s compound as a Universal Protectant,” states Michael Wilhelm, ImmuneRegen co-founder and CEO. “The company is currently seeking Emergency Use status, and hopes that the agencies involved, along with Project BioShield, will assist with future development.”
“The US Department of Homeland Security has estimated a terrorist attack on a chemical plant could result in approximately one million casualties,” states Hal Siegel, Ph.D., ImmuneRegen Senior Director, Product Development and Regulatory Affairs. “However, I believe if we take the necessary steps to prepare for these occurrences, such as stockpiling drugs to protect victims and first responders, we can bring that death count down.”
Radilex, derived from ImmuneRegen’s modified Substance P compound Homspera(TM), is a treatment currently in development for the negative effects of radiation and chemical warfare agents. Animal testing has shown a survival rate of approximately 50% after radiation exposure at a 7.75 Gray level, which is a lethal dosage. Homspera(TM) itself has shown efficacy in treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Hong Kong Influenza, and other toxic conditions involving jet-diesel fuel. During early research, Dr. Mark L. Witten, co-founder of ImmuneRegen BioSciences, and his associates observed that exposure to jet fuels depleted endogenous pulmonary Substance P levels and resulted in pathological changes in the lungs and immune system. It was also observed that the administration of exogenous Substance P seemed to protect the lungs, as well as stimulate the immune system.
About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
IR BioSciences Holdings Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc., is developing Homspera(TM) and its derivatives Radilex(TM) and Viprovex(TM) as a family of countermeasures for multiple homeland security threats, including chemical agents, Acute Radiation Sickness (ARS) from a dirty bomb or nuclear disaster, and infectious disease/biological warfare scenarios. This positions the base compound Homspera as a potential Universal Protectant. Homspera is derived from modified homeostatic 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. Further advances with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the U.S. Air Force are currently being pursued. The development of Homspera and its derivatives is pursuant to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “animal efficacy” rule, which allows an expedited approval process. In addition, these compounds are candidates for the Strategic National Stockpile under current BioShield law. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.immuneregen.com.
Statements about the Company’s future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, 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. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from expected results as a result of a number of factors, including the uncertainties inherent in research collaborations, clinical trials and product development programs, 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 June 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: W. Jason Grimley Senior Account Executive Spelling Communications 310-477-9500 310-477-9530 - Fax jgrimley@spellcom.com
ImmuneRegen BioSciences
Web site: http://www.immuneregen.com//
