Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital Propose Thymosin Beta 4 as Novel Way to Treat Neural Injury and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Oligodendrogenesis and Myelination are common links by which TB4 promotes recovery
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: RGRX) ("the Company" or "RegeneRx") In an editorial in the scientific journal, Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, Dr. Michael Chopp and his colleague, Dr. Zhenggang Zhang, at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan reported that Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) has the capacity to promote CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) remodeling 24 hours or more post-injury, leading to neurological recovery in each case. They pointed out that oligodendrogenesis and myelination are two of several common links in their studies by which TB4 promotes "self-recovery" and suggest that treatment strategies should be focused on pharmacologically enhancing the brain's own restorative abilities.
"These physiological improvements are crucial to functional improvements in CNS and PNS disorders," stated Dr. Allan Goldstein, Chair Emeritus of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the George Washington University and Chairman of RegeneRx. "To see significant physiological and functional recovery in various CNS and PNS animal models through the same pathways would appear to confirm TB4's mechanisms of action and is very important in understanding how we can stimulate the body to heal itself using the capabilities already present in our own biological systems," he went on to state.
The article was published in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, Jan 22 2015:1-4 [Epub ahead of print]. Below is the link to the news release: http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=46335&action=detail&ref=2201
About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.regenerx.com)
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 an extensive worldwide patent portfolio covering its products. RGN-259, the Company's ophthalmic drug candidate, has been designated an orphan drug for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), which is a primary focus of RegeneRx's clinical development efforts in the U.S. RegeneRx was recently allowed by the FDA to move into Phase III clinical trials with RGN-259 for the treatment of patients with NK. The Company's partners are in various stages of development of RGN-259 for dry eye syndrome in their respective territories.
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. There can be no assurance that any research by the Company or Henry Ford Hospital will result in future value or products. 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, 2013, 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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