ImmuneRegen BioSciences And DelSite Biotechnologies To Collaborate On Development Of Pandemic Flu Treatment

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 05 Dec 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. (OTCBB:IRBO) and DelSite Biotechnologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrington Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB:CARN.OB), announced an agreement to work together to design and develop novel new treatments to prevent the spread of pandemic flu.

The agreement contemplates that DelSite's patented GelSite® polysaccharide polymer may facilitate the administration and enhance the activity of Homspera™, ImmuneRegen's experimental candidate which has previously demonstrated effectiveness as an anti-influenza agent and vaccine adjuvant when administered intranasally. Other studies point to the compound's utility as a treatment for wounds.

During an influenza pandemic, there is significant concern that public gatherings may serve to elevate the risk of spreading the virus to previously uninfected individuals. As a result, development of anti-flu drugs or vaccines that may be rapidly self-administered without the need for professional medical assistance could become an important means to contain the disease and to prevent its spread.

The GelSite polymer could facilitate self-administration of Homspera by virtue of its physical characteristics and its ability to enable time-delayed release of the active drug. The GelSite polymer has been shown to be well tolerated in animal studies and is classified as "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) when administered either topically or orally.

About Carrington Laboratories, Inc., and DelSite Biotechnologies, Inc.

Carrington Laboratories, Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified, research-based, biopharmaceutical and consumer products company currently utilizing naturally-occurring complex carbohydrates to manufacture and market products for mucositis, radiation dermatitis, wound and oral care, as well as to manufacture and market the nutraceutical raw material Manapol® and cosmetic raw material Hydrapol™. Carrington, whose technology is protected by more than 130 patents in 26 countries, also manufactures and markets consumer products and manufactures quality products for other companies. Manufacturing operations comply with cGMP standards and select products carry the CE mark, recognized by more than 20 countries around the world. Carrington's wholly owned DelSite Biotechnologies subsidiary is an early-stage drug delivery and biotechnology company with significant expertise and intellectual property related to the stabilization and delivery of proteins and peptides. DelSite is developing its proprietary GelSite® technology which is designed to provide controlled release of peptide and protein-based drugs and vaccines. In conjunction with its partner Brookwood Pharmaceuticals Inc (formerly, Southern Research Institute), DelSite can provide formulation development, initial stability profiling and toxicology screening. In addition, DelSite resources are available to provide initial manufacturing expertise and production of clinical supplies.

About Radilex® and Viprovex®

Radilex® is the trade name used in referring to formulations of Homspera™ for potential indications for treatment of exposure to ionizing radiation. Viprovex® is the trade name used in referring to formulations of Homspera for potential indications for treatment of viral and bacterial infections. Homspera 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 in early, pre-clinical stages and Homspera, also known as Viprovex and Radilex, 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 and its derivatives Radilex and Viprovex, which are designed to be used as countermeasures for multiple homeland security bioterrorism threats. Homspera 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 September 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.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences