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RegeneRx's Tß4 Effective In Wound Repair In Aging Animals RegeneRx's Tß4 Effective In Wound Repair In Aging Animals Scientist Reports on Research at The 9th International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies December 17, 2001 — Las Vegas, Nv Thymosin Beta 4 (Tß4), a molecule that plays an important role in the repair of cells, and previously proven effective in accelerating the healing of wounds in young animals, has now been found to also be effective in aged and immuno-suppressed animals. These most recent findings suggest a potential role for Tß4 in repairing skin damaged by ultraviolet rays or even by the wear-and-tear of the aging process itself. One of its key mechanisms of action is Tß4's ability to regulate the cell-building protein, actin. This is the essence of a report presented by Dr. Allan L. Goldstein at the 9th International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Goldstein, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The George Washington University Medical School, Washington, D.C. - also the founder of RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. - reported on recent collaborative studies with Dr. Hynda Kleinman and her colleagues at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) who found that Tß4 significantly accelerated healing in dermal wounds in aged and diabetic animals, in addition to previously reported data in young animals. According to Dr. Goldstein, "This is very positive data as many of the same biological events associated with wounds and other skin damage are also involved in the aging process of skin. Environmental factors such as ultra-violet radiation from the sun or other injuries to keratinocytes (skin cells) associated with the aging process may be reparable with Tß4, similar to its wound repair activity already identified and previously reported. As we age, the ability of our body to self-repair frequently diminishes, therefore providing the need for new ways to inhibit this process." Dr. Goldstein also emphasized the central functions of the skin, which is the body's largest immune organ. The component cells of the multi-layered skin produce and process a host of biologically active compounds that enable them to fight off microorganisms and repair damage and injury. Producing its own protective antigens and immune factors while recognizing enemy antigens, the skin maintains complex communications with the rest of the immune system, signaling it for action when necessary. Like other components of the body's dynamic defense-and-repair system, the skin's capabilities decline with age; it becomes less able to combat immune challenges and other chronic insults such as chemicals and ultraviolet radiation. Tß4 is a 43 amino acid peptide which exhibits a number of physiological properties not seen with other wound healing drugs and growth factors under development. The compound is not a growth factor and has a combination of distinct mechanisms of action which include its ability to sequester and regulate actin - a protein needed to form the cytoskeleton and maintain the structure of the skin and facilitate its repair. Tß4 also stimulates angiogenesis and reduces inflammation, all of which play important roles in wound healing and the remodeling process of damaged skin. Tß4 is being developed by RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland (OTCBB: RGRX) under an exclusive world-wide license from the NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. It is anticipated that Phase I clinical trials will begin next year evaluating Tß4 for the treatment of chronic wounds. The information in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements concern the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including the ongoing and prospective development and commercialization of Tß4 and possible future benefits to the Company, its shareholders, and patients. Due to the nature of product development and the regulatory approval process, the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those reflected in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the Company. |
