ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. Demonstrates Radilex(TM) Increases Disease-Fighting White Blood Cells
27 August 2007 - 1:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
ImmuneRegen and TGen Continue Testing Possible Treatment for Acute
Radiation Syndrome or Radiotherapy Adjuvant Likely Targeting Adult
Stem Cells in Bone Marrow SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC:IRBO)
(BULLETIN BOARD: IRBO) , today announced that initial studies at
TD2 (TGen Drug Development Services), an affiliate of The
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) have found
ImmuneRegen's Radilex (TM) to protect mice from the near total
destruction of circulating white blood cells following radiation
exposure. These findings support past data and provide further
insight into possible mechanisms underlying the activity of Radilex
as well as suggest possible therapeutic areas in which Radilex
could play a role as a potential treatment. In previous studies of
lethally irradiated mice, Radilex was shown to enhance survival and
increase white blood cells in surviving animals. In the recent
studies, a sub-lethal dose of radiation induced a 90-95% decrease
in circulating white blood cell levels. Administered shortly
following radiation exposure, Radilex was able to subsequently
increase circulating levels of monocytes, granulocytes and
lymphocytes in all treated animals. "The results of this study have
strengthened our confidence that Radilex(TM) may prove to be a life
saving treatment candidate as well as a drug and treatment
enhancement candidate," says Michael K. Wilhelm, Co-Founder and CEO
of ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. "We are very happy that our
relationship with TGen continues to develop a promising collection
of data on Radilex's ability to potentially preserve human life
after lethal or sub-lethal exposure to radiation." Low circulating
white blood cell counts (leukopenia or leukocytopenia) can be due
to a number of causes, among them infections (including certain
viral infections such as those caused by influenza virus),
autoimmune disorders, certain medications (including most cytotoxic
chemotherapy), radiation and bone marrow diseases such as leukemia
or myelodysplastic syndromes. Replenishment of leukocytes at early
time periods following irradiation could result from proliferation
and maturation of a pluripotential stem cell subset that is
protected from the damaging effect of radiation. Further studies
are in process to delineate the mechanism of leukocyte
replenishment. About TGen The Translational Genomics Research
Institute (TGen), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is focused
on developing earlier diagnostics and smarter treatments.
Translational genomics research is a relatively new field employing
innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project and
applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics and
therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other
complex diseases. TGen's research is based on personalized medicine
and the institute plans to accomplish its goals through robust and
disease-focused research. About Radilex(TM) and Viprovex(R)
Radilex(TM) is the trade name used in referring to formulations of
Homspera(TM) for potential indications for treatment of exposure to
ionizing radiation. Viprovex(R) is the trade name used in referring
to formulations of Homspera(TM) for potential indications for
treatment of viral and bacterial infections. Homspera(TM) is a
generic name used by the Company to describe the synthetic peptide
Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance P. Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance P is an
analog of the naturally occurring human neuropeptide Substance P,
which can be found throughout the body, including in the airways of
humans and many other species. All of the Company's research and
development efforts are early, pre-clinical stage and Homspera(TM),
as Viprovex(R) and Radilex(TM), has only undergone exploratory
studies to evaluate its biological activity in small animals. 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(R), which are designed to be used as
countermeasures for multiple homeland security bioterrorism
threats. Homspera(TM) is derived from 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 http://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
subsequent investigations were limited in scope, 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 the Company's periodic
report on Form 10-QSB for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and
on Form 10-KSB for the twelve months ended December 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. MEDIA CONTACT: W. Jason Grimley
Spelling Communications 310-477-9500 DATASOURCE: ImmuneRegen
BioSciences, Inc. CONTACT: W. Jason Grimley of Spelling
Communications, +1-310-477-9500, , for ImmuneRegen BioSciences,
Inc. Web site: http://www.immuneregen.com/
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