RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: RGRX), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on tissue protection, repair and regeneration, reported today that the Korean Intellectual Property Office has issued a new patent to the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) for a Thymosin beta 4 (T?4) composition for reducing diabetic-induced vascular dysfunction. T?4 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in RegeneRx's proprietary drug candidate, RGN-352, a first-in-class injectable formulation designed for systemic administration for tissue regeneration and repair.
RegeneRx in-licensed the intellectual property relating to the use of T?4 for this indication from HFHS in Detroit, MI based on work performed by Dr. Michael Chopp and his colleagues under a Material Transfer Agreement. The patent will expire in December of 2032.
According to the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in Korea and has escalated from 1.5% to 9.9% [approximately 5.1 million people] over the last four decades. Major outcomes of the progression of T2DM include chronic complications that decrease quality of life (QoL), incur heavy burdens on the healthcare system, and increase diabetic mortality. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication associated with diabetes and it is estimated that 30% to 50% of diabetes patients are affected by this disorder.
About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.regenerx.com)
RegeneRx is focused on the development of novel therapeutic peptides, including Thymosin beta 4 (T?4) and its constituent fragments, for tissue and organ protection, repair and regeneration.
RegeneRx currently has three drug candidates in clinical development for ophthalmic, cardiac and dermal indications, four active strategic licensing agreements in the U.S., China, Pan Asia (Korea, Japan, and Australia, among others), and the EU and has patents and patent applications covering its products in many countries throughout the world. RGN-352, the Company's injectable formulation of T?4, has successfully completed phase 1 clinical trials and is phase 2-ready. RGN-259, the Company's ophthalmic eye drop, is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratopathy and RGN-137, the Company's dermal gel, is in phase 2 clinical trials for epidermolysis bullosa, both of which will have data read-outs this year.
For additional information about RegeneRx please visit www.regenerx.com.
