ImmuneRegen posts more promising anthrax data

ImmuneRegen, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, is collaborating with Hyperion Biotechnology to perform these tests at Hyperion’s research facility.

Initial studies in a well-established mouse model system indicate a potential positive effect in the use of Viprovex to both prophylactically and therapeutically treat the effects of a near lethal anthrax-exposure.

Animals exposed to near-lethal doses of anthrax spores were treated with Viprovex either before anthrax exposure or afterwards and test results indicated a survival rate ranging from 20% to 70% of control animals that otherwise are likely to have died.

In vitro studies confirm elevation of multiple classes of immunomodulators in response to Viprovex, and ImmuneRegen’s management believes that these results add further support to continued efforts towards additional testing of Viprovex. “The company is optimistic in its development of the compound for this unmet medical need,” a company spokesperson said.

Studies utilizing a formulation of the same active ingredient, Homspera, in an animal model of lethal radiation exposure show increased survival and immune system reconstitution, lending credence to the hypothesis that Homspera may be of value in a number of biodefense applications.