Biotech Experts Available To Discuss The Critical Role Of Vaccine Adjuvants In Treating Pandemic Bird Flu

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The likelihood of an influenza pandemic caused by an avian influenza (Bird Flu) virus is an increasing concern to the World Health Organization (WHO) and others. Recent breakthroughs on promising cell-based vaccines are encouraging, but manufacturing, stockpiling and distributing enough vaccine to treat victims on a massive scale remain a challenge that needs attention.

Therefore, a vital part of any pandemic preparedness strategy must consider vaccine adjuvants - a critical addition to many developmental vaccines. Adjuvants are designed to improve the immune system response so a reduced amount of the vaccine is required to provide protection.

With many adjuvants - such as Homspera™, a promising drug currently under development by Scottsdale, Ariz.-based biotechnology company ImmuneRegen - the same amount of vaccine may be able to treat many more people.

ImmuneRegen's President and CEO Michael Wilhelm and Chief Scientific Officer Hal Siegel, Ph.D., are available for media interviews to discuss the role of vaccine adjuvants in treating pandemic flu.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: IRBO), is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the research, development and licensing of Homspera, an adult stem cell active compound validated to work in human bone marrow. Homspera has been shown to regenerate and strengthen the immune system, increase immune responses to vaccines and enhance wound healing. To advance its mission, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company has forged numerous study partnerships with industry and academic leaders, including Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, U.C. Berkeley, HemoGenix and Virion Systems, Inc.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.