News ImmuneRegen NewsMarch 20, 2007 8:08 AM ET ImmuneRegen BioSciences Announces Promising Data on Homspera Suggesting Potential as a Co-Therapeutic AgentCompound Could Be Utilized as an Adjuvant and Play Key Role in the Treatment of Influenza and Cancer SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen BioSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: IRBO), announced today that data obtained by the Company on its Substance P analog, Homspera, suggests that the compound has potential value as a co-therapeutic agent or vaccine adjuvant. Studies performed in animal models of influenza and acute radiation syndrome have revealed the potential capability of Homspera to enhance the action of approved antiviral medications as well as to provide adjunctive impact on antitumor radiation therapy. Studies performed in the cotton rat model of influenza at Virion Systems, Inc. (VSI, a Maryland biotechnology corporation) have revealed the ability of Homspera to diminish the impact of influenza virus infection on animal weight loss and temperature. In addition, viral titers were found to be decreased up to 90% in lungs and nose of treated animals. The Company believes that, in conjunction with a neuraminidase inhibitor such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu(R), Roche Pharmaceuticals), Homspera might be an effective adjuvant therapeutic by decreasing the number of viruses at which this enzyme would need to be inhibited. Potential also exists for Homspera to be used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients, as treatment often includes radiation following chemotherapy, in an attempt to kill more of the cancer cells. Survival data from gamma- irradiated mice studies and mechanistic studies in cell culture have shown indications of hematopoietic stem cell replenishment of circulating leukocytes and platelets, which could be of value in radiation-treated cancer patients. Studies in cell culture have revealed elevations in components of the innate immune system that are consistent with Toll-like Receptor activation, a postulated mechanism by which vaccine adjuvants accomplish their immunosensitization. Additionally, the anti-anthrax activity reported by Homspera is similarly consistent with activation of components of innateimmunity that have been reported to have anti-anthrax activity, such as defensins. "While these results from the use of Homspera are preliminary, we believe that upcoming studies in non-human primates may provide confirmation that Homspera could play an important role, in conjunction with other therapies, in improving treatment outcomes in influenza and cancer, two large- market opportunities," said ImmuneRegen's CEO Michael Wilhelm. "With the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries increasingly focused on adjunctive therapies, we are committed to accelerating development of this promising compound." Since the identification of a single therapeutic with both immunoadjuvant capabilities plus the ability to enhance maturation and mobility of stem cells might be of significant therapeutic significance, the Company plans future studies to explore this opportunity in more detail.
About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc., (OTC BB:IRBS.OB - News) 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-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 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. Contact: or
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