RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB:RGRX) reported today that a paper published in the most recent issue of the scientific journal, Experimental Eye Research, (Volume 74, Number 2, pp. 293-299) further characterized the wound healing properties of Thymosin Beta 4 (Tß4) in animal models.

Dr. Gabriel Sosne and his colleagues at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Bethesda, MD, reported that Tß4 accelerated corneal re-epithelialization following alkali injury of the eye, considered among the most severe of chemical eye wounds. Dr. Sosne reported last year in this journal on the efficacy of Tß4 after heptanol injury, with similar results. However, alkali injury is a more severe injury due to rapid penetration of the cornea and its affect on deeper ocular structures. According to Dr. Sosne, "This model [alkali injury] is more reflective of the type of patients generally observed with moderate to severe chemical eye injuries," and concluded that, "Tß4 may provide a new clinical treatment for severe traumatic corneal wound disorders by promoting rapid corneal wound healing…"

These new findings confirm and extend the research reported in several recent publications and scientific presentations where it has been shown that Tß4 markedly accelerates wound healing by increasing epithelial migration and reducing inflammation, both of which are important to more rapid and complete healing. Tß4's ability to significantly reduce inflammation in the eye by down-regulating specific inflammatory cytokines points to its potential use as a novel, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agent.

RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Bethesda, MD, holds an exclusive worldwide license for the compound from NIH for wound healing and is developing it for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. Tß4 is a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide that appears to regulate actin and down-regulate certain inflammatory cytokines, both of which are involved in the complex wound healing cascade. The Company holds several patents related to its technology and has numerous patent applications pending.

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.

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