RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals (AMEX:RGN) reported today
that researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that
TB4, administered to wounds in laboratory animals, significantly
increased several important wound healing proteins called matrix
metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2 and MMP-9. The researchers
surmised that it is likely that other proteinases may also be
regulated (up or down) by TB4. The paper, Thymosin B4 Promotes Matrix
Metalloproteinase Expression During Wound Repair, was published in the
Journal of Cellular Physiology, (D. Philp, et al., 208:195:200; 2006).
Matrix metalloproteinases are important for normal wound healing.
These proteins clean wound debris, stimulate cell migration to the
wound site, and help remodel collagen fibers to complete the healing
process. It is also known that the level and type of proteinases are
very important in wound repair. MMP-2 and MMP-9, two of over 25
identified MMPs, are specifically found in fibroblasts and
keratinocytes, two cell types intimately involved in the would healing
process.
According to Dr. Hynda Kleinman, in whose laboratory the research
was performed, "these data demonstrate an additional mechanism by
which TB4 may promote wound repair. This protein (TB4) may thus
accelerate repair by multiple, related, and in some cases,
interdependent mechanisms involving cell migration, angiogenesis,
inflammatory response and protease production and activity."
Thymosin Beta 4
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. Additionally, TB4 directly
influences the production of laminin-5, a protein responsible for
proper adhesion and migration of certain types of mammalian cells and
often deficient in patients with EB. It has also recently been
reported that TB4 can inhibit or prevent apoptosis (programmed cell
death) in ocular tissue and cardiac tissue. 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.
An article was published in the scientific journal, Nature, indicating
that TB4 protects heart tissue following a myocardial infarction
(heart attack) 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.
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, 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 a therapeutic
platform. RegeneRx holds over fifty world-wide patents and patent
applications related to dermal, ocular, and internal wounds and tissue
repair, cardiac and neurological injuries, and septic shock. RegeneRx
is currently sponsoring three Phase II chronic dermal wound healing
clinical trials and has additionally targeted ophthalmic and cardiac
trials in 2006 as part of its ongoing clinical development program.
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.
For more information please visit RegeneRx's web site at
www.regenerx.com.
Regenerx Biopharma : NIH Researchers Find RegeneRx's Drug Candidate Regulates Key Proteins Important in Wound Repair; Research Team Offers New Insights Into TB4's Mechanism of Action
Published -nc- - Modified on 08/01/2006 at 10:01 am EDT
Business Wire
Share
© Business Wire -
2006
Share
















