ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. to Further Homspera(R) Research in Study Funded by U.S. Government

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - October 22, 2009) - ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.®, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), today announced the commencement of a study, in collaboration with Dr. Jacob Finkelstein at the University of Rochester Medical School, funded by the U.S. government. Dr. Finkelstein’s research group at the University of Rochester’s Center for Biophysical Assessment and Risk Management Following Irradiation (CBARMFI) will evaluate the efficacy of Homspera® in reducing the detrimental effects of radiation on lung immune system function.

This research will expand on studies being performed at the University of Rochester evaluating the efficacy of Homspera in preventing lung injury induced by radiation exposure. Additionally, this work is an extension of studies ImmuneRegen has previously performed demonstrating efficacy of Homspera in treating pulmonary injury as well as mitigating acute effects, including the hematopoietic syndrome, resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation.

A unique aspect of this research is the extension of the studies of Homspera in lung injury to the pediatric population and post-natal pulmonary development and function. The immune system dysfunction in this radiation model may be applicable to other oxidative lung injuries occurring during growth and development, and the previously reported altered respiratory tract response to viral infection in these injuries. Previous studies using Homspera in models of pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary infection have revealed beneficial effects of the drug.

The Center for Biophysical Assessment and Risk Management Following Irradiation at the University of Rochester is one of the eight cooperative Centers for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation (CMCRs) established in September 2005 by the National Institute of Health. CMCRs are intended to serve as multidisciplinary, extramural research centers comprised of academic, commercial, and government laboratories that are funded, in part, to develop and move candidate countermeasures, such as Homspera, through the regulatory process into the national stockpile.

This award is a supplement of the existing CMCR established at University of Rochester (CMCR-U19). It is estimated the total award for the supplement is $300,000 including indirect costs.

Dr. Finkelstein, a professor in the departments of Pediatrics, Radiation Oncology and Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical School, is the co-Primary Investigator of the Center for Biophysical Assessment and Risk Management Following Irradiation. Dr. Finkelstein’s work has identified early immune system markers of pulmonary fibrosis, as well as agents that can potentially mitigate the lethal impact of this sequela of radiation exposure.

About ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the research, development and licensing of Homspera® and its derivatives. Homspera is an adult stem cell active compound that in study results has been shown to regenerate and strengthen the immune system and enhance wound healing. Viprovex®, a derivative of Homspera, is being developed for potential use against infectious diseases as a stand-alone or combination therapy and as a vaccine adjuvant. To advance its mission, the Scottsdale, Arizona based company has forged numerous study partnerships with industry and academic leaders, including Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, HemoGenix, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and Virion Systems. For more information, please visit www.immuneregen.com.

Statements about ImmuneRegen’s future expectations, including statements about the potential use and scientific results for ImmuneRegen’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. ImmuneRegen 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 ImmuneRegen’s business, are subject to various risks and uncertainties. ImmuneRegen’s actual results could differ materially from expected results as a result of a number of factors, including 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 and monies available for further studies, capital market conditions, and others set forth in ImmuneRegen’s periodic report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are no guarantees that any of ImmuneRegen’s proposed products will prove to be commercially successful. ImmuneRegen undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.