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Researchers Find that TB4 Increases Gene Expression of Key Wound Healing Enzyme in the Cornea

Researchers Find that TB4 Increases Gene Expression of Key Wound Healing Enzyme in the Cornea

Regulation of MMP-1 Provides New Evidence in Support of TB4's Ophthalmic Wound Healing Activities

March 12, 2007 — Bethesda, Md

RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:RGN) (www.regenerx.com) reported today that researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan, found that thymosin beta 4 (TB4) increases MMP-1 levels in the cornea. MMPs, especially MMP-1, have an important role in the wound healing process as they are involved in cell motility (the movement of new cells to the wound site) and are an integral part of the complex wound healing cascade. Conversely, it has been shown that blocking MMPs inhibits the wound healing process.

The authors included Gabriel Sosne, M.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Anatomy/Cell Biology at the Kresge Eye Institute, of the Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Ping Qiu, Department of Ophthalmology, the Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, MI; and Michelle Wheater, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, published their latest findings in the Journal of Cellular Physiology, Online Edition, March 8, 2007. Dr. Sosne is a member of RegeneRx's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.

"Our discovery in the cornea extends the previous studies in the skin by Dr. Hynda Kleinman's laboratory and further supports our scientific basis for using TB4 clinically to treat corneal wound healing disorders. TB4's ability to rapidly increase levels of MMPs correlates with how it accelerates wound healing in the cornea. Additionally, the ability to understand and regulate these molecules enables us to target the most appropriate clinical applications for novel agents such as TB4," according to Dr. Sosne.

About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
RegeneRx is focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules to accelerate tissue and organ repair. Currently, RegeneRx is developing TB4, a 43 amino acid peptide, in part, under an exclusive world-wide license from the National Institutes of Health. Preliminary research suggests that TB4 may prove efficacious for multiple indications; therefore, RegeneRx is developing TB4 as the cornerstone of its therapeutic platform. The technology platform has many potential applications in both the pharmaceutical and consumer products sectors. RegeneRx holds nearly 60 world-wide patents and patent applications related to dermal, ocular, and internal wounds and tissue repair, cardiac and neurological injuries, septic shock and several consumer product areas. RegeneRx is currently sponsoring three Phase 2 chronic dermal wound healing clinical trials and has additionally targeted ophthalmic and cardiac trials in 2007 as part of its ongoing clinical development program.

The RegeneRx Technology Platform
TB4 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in virtually all human cells. It is a first-in-class drug candidate that promotes endothelial cell differentiation, angiogenesis in dermal tissues, keratinocyte migration, collagen deposition, and down-regulates inflammation. One of TB4's key mechanisms of action is its ability to regulate the cell-building protein, actin, a vital component of cell structure and movement. Of the thousands of proteins in cells, actin represents up to 10% of the total protein and, thus, plays a major role in the physiology of the cell. RegeneRx has identified several molecular variations of TB4 that may affect the aging of skin, among other properties, and could be important candidates as active ingredients in pharmaceutical and consumer products. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health, and at other academic institutions throughout the U.S., have published numerous scientific articles indicating that TB4 is effective in accelerating dermal and corneal wound healing in several animal models, under a variety of conditions. In two articles published in the scientific journal, Nature, researchers found that TB4 protects heart tissue following a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and can regenerate coronary vessels in laboratory animals. Abstracts of scientific papers related to TB4's mechanisms of action may be viewed at RegeneRx's web page: www.regenerx.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
The information in this press release may include 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 of TB4 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 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.

SOURCE: RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

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