Contact:
RegeneRx:
J.J. Finkelstein
jjfnk@regenerx.com
301.280.1992 |
RegeneRx Receives First Patent for Preventing and Repairing Damage to Cardiac Tissue Before, During and After Injury RegeneRx Receives First Patent for Preventing and Repairing Damage to Cardiac Tissue Before, During and After Injury
April 17, 2007 — Bethesda, Md
RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:RGN) (www.regenerx.com) announced today that it received its first patent related to the ability of its lead drug candidate, Thymosin beta 4 (TB4), to prevent damage and promote healing associated with myocardial events, including heart attack, vessel occlusion and heart valve damage, among others. The Australian patent includes TB4, analogues, fragments and other derivatives, methods of use and delivery, either independently or in combination with other agents. Similar patent applications have been submitted throughout the world. On March 30, 2007, RegeneRx filed an Investigational New Drug application (IND) to initiate a Phase 1 trial in support of this indication.
"TB4's cardio-protective and wound-healing effects on the myocardium have been among the most exciting developments in the recent history of our company. Two independent publications in Nature, plus additional confirmation by big pharma and other collaborators, have given us a certain degree of confidence that we are pursuing the right course, although we recognize that human clinical trials are the ultimate test. We, therefore, are very excited to begin our cardio trials to establish TB4's effects in human patients. Likewise, we are pleased that our patent portfolio continues to expand and support the potential product opportunities derived from our technology platform," stated J.J. Finkelstein, RegeneRx's president and chief executive officer.
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.
Back To 2007 Press Release Archives
|