RegeneRx's TB4 Shown to Promote Regeneration and Repair of Damaged Central Nervous System Cells

ROCKVILLE, Md, Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: RGRX) ("RegeneRx" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on tissue protection, repair and regeneration, today announced the publication of a new scientific study demonstrating how Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) initiates remyelination (restoration of the myelination sheath around nerve cells responsible for fast and accurate transmission of nerve signals) by promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in two separate demyelination animal models, including the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model and the cuprizone diet model, both commonly used for studying different aspects of MS-related pathology. 

Demyelination or damage to the myelin sheath causes nerve impulses to slow or stop and is the hallmark of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating neurological disorders. 

Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-producing cells in the nervous system. These mature cells do not replicate; thus, myelin can only be restored if the oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are recruited, have increased proliferation, and differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes.

According to the authors, "these findings indicated that: 1) Tβ4 increases proliferation of OPCs and the maturation of OPCs to myelinating oligodendrocytes which in concert, likely contribute to the beneficial effect of Tβ4, 2) Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor upregulated and activated by Tβ4 may mediate the process of OPC differentiation, and 3) Tβ4 could potentially be developed as a therapy for MS patients, and for other demyelinating neurological disorders."

The research was performed by Dr. J. Zhang et al., in the Departments of Neurology and Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI and the Department of Physics at Oakland University in Rochester, MI,  and published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Disease, 2016 Jan 12; pii: S0969-9961(16)30010-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.01.010. [Epub]  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26805386.

About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

RegeneRx is focused on the development of a novel therapeutic peptide, Thymosin beta 4, for tissue and organ protection, repair and regeneration. RegeneRx currently has three drug candidates in clinical development for ophthalmic, cardiac and dermal indications, three active strategic licensing agreements in China, Pan Asia (Korea, Japan, and Australia, among others) and the U.S., and has worldwide patents and patent applications covering its products.  RGN-259, the Company's Tβ4-based ophthalmic drug candidate, has been designated an orphan drug for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). RegeneRx has Phase 3 clinical trials with RGN-259 for the treatment of patients with NK.  The drug candidate is also being tested in patients with dry eye syndrome in the U.S. and Asia.  RGN-352, the Company's Tβ4-based injectable formulation, is a Phase 2-ready drug candidate designed to be administered systemically to prevent and restore tissue damage associated with acute events such as heart attack and disorders of, and injuries to, the central and peripheral nervous systems.  For additional information about RegeneRx please visit www.regenerx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements used in this press release relate to, among other things, research results published by third parties and the expected timing of clinical trials in the United States and abroad. There can be no assurance that positive results from any research or clinical trial by the Company, its collaborators, or independent parties in the U.S. or any other country will result in subsequent clinical confirmation or future value.  There can also be no assurance that any of the Company's drug candidates will result in any approved products in the U.S. or any other country.  Please view these and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q, as well as other filings it makes with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this press release represent the Company's views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update this information, as a result of future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

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http://www.regenerx.com