Researchers Identify Potential Thymosin Beta 4 Receptor
30 Novembro 2010 - 4:41PM
Business Wire
RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex:RGN) (“the
Company” or “RegeneRx”) announced that scientists have identified a
long sought-after extracellular signaling pathway and receptor for
thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4). The observation that Tβ4 increases cell
surface ATP (energy produced by cells), could explain its ability
to protect and regenerate tissue after ischemic injury and hypoxia
(oxygen deficiency). The paper, published in the FASEB Journal, November 24, 2010, also highlights
Tβ4’s ability to activate specific molecules on the surface of
human endothelial cells that are involved in vascular reactivity,
apoptosis (natural cell death) and secretion of cytokines
(immunoregulatory molecules). The data further elaborate Tβ4’s
involvement in other diverse biological activities such as cell
migration, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
“This group has found the key to addressing the multiplicity of
activities of Tβ4. Since there are several molecules, called
antagonists that could block this receptor, the paper will likely
open up a large number of areas of research on Tβ4 to explore this
activity at the cellular level. It is an important paper and the
first identification and characterization of a Tβ4 receptor,”
stated Allan L. Goldstein, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology at The George Washington University School of
Medicine and Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of RegeneRx.
The paper, Regenerative Protein Thymosin β-4 is a Novel
Regulator of Purinergic Signaling, was published in the
FASEB Journal, November 24, 2010. The
research was conducted by Drs. Kevin Freeman, Brian Bowman and
Bruce Zetter of the Vascular Biology Program and Department of
Surgery at The Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The
researchers have no affiliation with RegeneRx.
About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
RegeneRx is focused on the development of a novel therapeutic
peptide, Thymosin beta 4, or Tβ4, for tissue and organ protection,
repair and regeneration. RegeneRx currently has three drug
candidates in clinical development and has an extensive worldwide
patent portfolio covering its products.
RGN-352 is an injectable formulation to treat cardiovascular and
central nervous system diseases, as well as other medical
indications. RegeneRx is initially targeting RGN-352 for the
treatment of patients who have suffered an acute myocardial
infarction, or heart attack. Recent pre-clinical efficacy data
suggests that RGN-352 may also benefit patients with multiple
sclerosis, stroke and traumatic brain injury. RegeneRx has
successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial with RGN-352 in
which the drug candidate was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
The company has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial and expects to
enroll the first patient by early 2011 at approximately 25 clinical
sites in the U.S., Israel, and Russia. RegeneRx is also supporting
a Phase 1/2 physician-sponsored clinical trial in patients with
multiple sclerosis that is expected to begin in 2011. RegeneRx
recently received a $3 million, three-year development grant from
the NIH to support the company’s acute myocardial infarction
program.
RGN-259 is a sterile, preservative-free topical eye drop for
ophthalmic indications. Based on recent human clinical data,
RegeneRx is currently supporting a physician-sponsored Phase 2 dry
eye study with RGN-259. Previously, seven patients with non-healing
corneal ulcers were treated with RGN-259 under compassionate use
INDs. Five had complete healing and two had substantial healing of
their wounds. Three additional patients with corneal defects,
called punctate keratitis, had no evidence of healing although they
did report reduction in eye inflammation and increased comfort.
RGN-137, a topical gel formulation, is currently being evaluated
by RegeneRx in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of the
orphan skin disease epidermolysis bullosa. Other potential uses for
RGN-137 include the treatment of chronic dermal wounds and
reduction of scar tissue. RegeneRx previously received $675,000 in
grants from the U.S. FDA to support this clinical trial.
In addition to the pharmaceutical product candidates described
above, RegeneRx is pursuing the commercial development of peptide
fragments of Tβ4 for potential cosmeceutical use. RegeneRx holds
numerous patents and patent applications worldwide related to its
products and holds an exclusive worldwide license from the National
Institutes of Health, as well as other licenses related to Tβ4. The
Company recently received $733,438 in funding under the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act to support each of its product
candidates.
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