ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc announced a collaborative relationship with the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Ariz, to evaluate the effectiveness of ImmuneRegen's Viprovex in boosting the immune response, when used as an adjuvant in conjunction with unique plant-derived vaccines against noroviruses (also called Norwalk-like viruses). These viruses are the leading cause of gastrointestinal illness throughout the world, and are often at the root of outbreaks in closed living communities such as nursing homes, cruise ships or prisons. Demonstrating successful adjuvant activity could increase the effectiveness of immunizations, thereby reducing cost per dose and increasing vaccine availability.

The study, part of a material transfer agreement with the Biodesign Institute's Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology (CIDV); will be led by Charles Arntzen, Ph D, ASU Regents' Professor and the Florence Ely Nelson Chair in Plant Biology, who is recognized worldwide for his pioneering work in plant-derived vaccines for human disease prevention. Dr Arntzen's research team has engineered tobacco plants to produce high levels of Norwalk-virus capsid protein (NVCP), which is the antigen used to elicit an immune response during vaccination. Viprovex will be administered in conjunction with this purified antigen to assess whether Viprovex further enhances the immune response in mice. Viprovex has demonstrated promise as an adjuvant in studies with other antigens, including avian influenza virus antigens.

"Prevention of norovirus infection will require a robust immune response and our search for a good adjuvant has led us to ImmuneRegen's material," said Arntzen. "We welcome this interaction with their scientists and hope to be able to determine if Viprovex is well matched with our antigen in the next six months."

Plant-derived vaccines serve as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to producing large amounts of protein for recombinant vaccines. They are also typically safer to administer and prepare. Several plant-derived vaccines, representing a variety of antigens, have been shown to stimulate the immune system: the humoral response (the production of antibodies in the bloodstream as part of acquired immunity to prevent the spread of infection), the mucosal response (the production of antibodies to help neutralize foreign particles that enter the body through mucous membranes), as well as the cellular response (the activation of immune cells that fight infection). This ability to generate both antibody and cellular types of immune responses proves that plants can serve as both effective and inexpensive vehicles for production of recombinant vaccine antigen for use on a global scale.

"The ability of Viprovex's active ingredient, Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance P, to generate not only antibody-mediated responses but also support cellular responses via activation of specific immune cells, gives us strong reason to expect adjuvant activity when coupled with vaccines such as those being developed by the Biodesign Institute," said Hal Siegel, Ph D, of ImmuneRegen BioSciences. "With our compound able to stimulate the immune system via both antibody and cellular immune responses to co-administered protein and DNA immunogens, we optimistically anticipate a productive collaboration with Dr. Arntzen's team."

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University integrates diverse fields of science to cure and prevent disease, overcome the limitations of injury, renew the environment and improve national security. By fusing research in biology, engineering, medicine, physics, information technology and cognitive science, the institute accelerates discoveries into uses that can be adopted rapidly by the private sector.

About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the research, development and licensing of Homspera and its derivatives. Homspera is an adult stem cell active compound that in study results has been shown to regenerate and strengthen the immune system and enhance wound healing.