ImmuneRegen BioSciences Confirms Homspera's Therapeutic Anti-Influenza Effect on Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus After Oral Administration
Preliminary reports of oral bioavailability as well as therapeutic effects in ferret model of current H1N1 pandemic flu.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImmuneRegen
BioSciences , a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: IRBS), reports preliminary evidence that
its selective Neurokinin 1-receptor agonist Homspera 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 and Viprovex . 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.
Contact: John Fermanis ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc. Phone: 480-922-3926 E-mail: jfermanis@immuneregen.com
Source: ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.
CONTACT: John Fermanis of ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.,
+1-480-922-3926,
jfermanis@immuneregen.com
Web Site: http://www.immuneregen.com/
Posted: July 2009
