ImmuneRegen BioSciences(R) Reports Positive Results of Homspera(R) in Treating Highly Pathogenic Influenza Homspera Improves Survival and Reduces Symptoms of Highly Lethal Influenza Virus Infection Without Any Additional Treatment
© Marketwire 2009
10.11.2009 14:59:02
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owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), today
announced positive results from a study that evaluated its lead
anti-Influenza drug, Homspera. The study in animals infected with H5N1 (or "Avian")
Influenza virus : www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/current.htm , which is highly lethal to humans and animals, revealed
that Homspera treatment starting 1 day following Influenza infection
dramatically reduced symptoms of Influenza infection and increased survival
by 60% over infected controls.
Performed at a public University under the guidance of a world-renowned
Influenza expert, the study utilized a 'real-world' scenario of highly
pathogenic Influenza infection by a clade 2.2 H5N1 virus ( A/Whooperswan/Mongolia/244/2005 : www.fludb.org/brc/fluStrainDetails.do?strainName ..
wan/Mongolia/244/2005%20(H5N1)&sampleId=18617994%20No3&decorator=influenza&
concat= ); Homspera treatment commenced
1 day following Influenza infection, which coincided with the first signs
of disease symptoms. The study also utilized the most widely accepted
model of Influenza infection, the ferret, and 2 different viral infectious
doses (an approximate LD50 and 100x LD50 dose) to evaluate differences
relative to in initial infection burden. Homspera treatment was found to
increase survival by 60% and reduce fever in both viral infectious dose
groups. Additionally, Homspera treatment reduced the decrease in body
weight seen in the lower viral infectious dose group to levels of
uninfected animals.
"We are excited by these findings," asserted ImmuneRegen CEO Michael
Wilhelm. "We had preliminary evidence in ferrets suggesting a survival
benefit against pandemic avian flu on co-administration, but these studies,
showing Homspera's ability to treat highly pathogenic Influenza infection
when administered at the onset of symptoms -- reducing the symptoms of the
disease and increasing survival -- are validation that Homspera development
should be pursued as a stand-alone therapeutic. These studies support our previous seasonal Influenza
therapeutic studies : www.immuneregen.com/news.php , in which we saw similar reductions of symptoms, as
well as decreased viral titers, coinciding with Homspera treatment. We
believe we've gathered enough convincing animal data to move this program
to the clinic."
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 : 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.
Contact:
Michael K. Wilhelm
ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.
Phone: 480-922-3926
Email: Email Contact : www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=A0221DED5 ..
John Fermanis
ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.
Phone: 480-922-3926
Email: Email Contact : www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=1C2719116 ..
