ImmuneRegen BioSciences Confirms Homspera's Therapeutic Anti-Influenza Effect On Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus After Oral Administration

Main Category: Swine Flu
Article Date: 30 Jul 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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ImmuneRegen BioSciences(R), a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: IRBS), reports preliminary evidence that its selective Neurokinin 1-receptor agonist Homspera(R) is both active on oral administration and provides therapeutic effects against the current pandemic H1N1 virus infection.

Preliminary analysis of ongoing bioavailability studies in rats had revealed the oral administration of Homspera resulted in measurable amounts of the drug in lung tissue. Systemic absorption and accumulation in lungs was found after both oral and intra-duodenal administration in studies performed by a major, global contract research organization, with analytical work performed at MDx Bioanalytical Inc. of Tucson, Arizona.

Based on these findings, the Company commissioned H1N1 virus studies to be performed in the laboratories of a widely-respected University scientist. Using the accepted ferret model of H1N1 influenza virus infection, animals were treated orally (initially) with Homspera starting 24 hours following infection. While data collection and analysis is ongoing, preliminary evaluation of temperatures of infected ferrets reveals that orally-administered Homspera lessened the impact of influenza infection, resulting in shortened duration and more rapid resolution of the hyperthermia associated with infection.

Immune markers of infection remain to be assessed, but this pilot study apparently reveals that the ability of Homspera to attenuate symptoms of influenza virus infection, which have previously been reported in cotton rats infected with H3N2 influenza and in ferrets infected with H5N1 influenza, also extends to the current pandemic H1N1 strain.

These results, although preliminary, support the hypothesized mechanism of Homspera's immune system activation, and expands the therapeutic range over which activity of the compound has been shown in accepted animal models. Perhaps just as important is the demonstration that oral administration of Homspera results in therapeutic effects. This suggests appropriate oral formulations could provide convenient, efficacious immune system augmentation in a number of medical (e.g., cancer therapy, vaccine adjuvancy) and homeland security-related scenarios (e.g., CBRN threats, including unique and/or weaponized microbiological and viral agents).

About ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC BB: IRBS), is a development-stage biotechnology company engaged in the research, development and licensing of the potential drug candidate Homspera and its derivatives Radilex(R) and Viprovex(R). Management is focused on the development of these drug candidates as potential treatments for blood disorders and to accelerate wound healing. Findings to date suggest additional opportunities for these compounds as a vaccine adjuvant and potential treatment for influenza or other microbial ailments, as well as for use as a possible countermeasure for homeland security threats including radiological, chemical and biological agents. For more information, 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.

Source: ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc

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