PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hemispherx Biopharma (NYSE MKT:HEB), today announced that Dr. William M. Mitchell of Vanderbilt University will present a research paper on January 21, 2014 at the Keystone Symposia Conference on Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viruses entitled " Protection from Pulmonary Tissue Damage Associated with Infection of Cynomolgus Macaques by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) by Low Dose Natural Human IFN-α Administered to the Buccal Mucosa ." This presentation is a collaborative project conducted at Viroclinics, Rotterdam, an internationally recognized research entity for the study of both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses. The facilities are directed by Prof. Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus, an internationally known virologist specializing in the study of pandemic influenza.
The global threat of an influenza pandemic emerging from avian H5N1 and H7N9 influenza viruses that are highly pathogenic for humans has mobilized a variety of efforts to mitigate the potential devastating human and economic consequences. A key element in governmental responses has been neuraminidase inhibitor stockpiling for therapeutic or prophylactic uses although the development of viral resistance without loss of viability is a constant threat to their human employment.
Using an established primate model for H5N1 infection, the collaborative team has evaluated the potential for the prophylactic mitigation of the pulmonary damage characteristic of fatal cases from primary influenza virus pneumonia using a low dose oral (LDO) formulation of a commercially available parenteral natural human interferon alpha (Alferon N Injection®).
About Viroclinics Biosciences, BV
Viroclinics Biosciences is a leading diagnostic and clinical trial operation service company providing diagnostic and preclinical studies along with drug development for prevention and treatment of virus infections.
Its mission is to improve human and animal health by serving the biopharmaceutical industry with state-of-the-art diagnostics, operational and logistical services, custom-made models in preclinical and clinical drug testing, and expert advice on development of antivirals and vaccines. It offers a full range of virology services for new drug development programs and post-marketing surveillance of existing drugs and vaccines, ranging from traditional virology assays to the latest deep sequencing protocols for a very broad range of viruses.
Its BSL2 and BSL3 labs enable it to perform analysis according to international ISO 15189 accreditation expanded with elements of GLP and GCP. The ongoing, intimate interaction between scientists at the Erasmus MC and company staff yields a strong, flourishing platform to act and implement assays at the forefront of Viroscience.
About Hemispherx Biopharma
Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. is an advanced specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the manufacture and clinical development of new drug entities for treatment of seriously debilitating disorders. Hemispherx's flagship products include Alferon N Injection® and the experimental therapeutics Ampligen® and Alferon® LDO. Ampligen® is an experimental RNA nucleic acid being developed for globally important debilitating diseases and disorders of the immune system, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Hemispherx's platform technology includes components for potential treatment of various severely debilitating and life threatening diseases. Because both Ampligen® and Alferon® LDO are experimental in nature, they are not designated safe and effective by a regulatory authority for general use and are legally available only through clinical trials. Hemispherx has patents comprising its core intellectual property estate and a fully commercialized product (Alferon N Injection®), approved for sale in the U.S. and Argentina. The Company's Alferon N approval in Argentina includes the use of Alferon N Injection (under the brand name "Naturaferon") for use in any patients who fail or become intolerant to recombinant interferon, including patients with chronic active hepatitis C infection. The Company wholly owns and exclusively operates a GMP certified manufacturing facility in the United States for commercial products. For more information please visit www.hemispherx.net .
Competing Interests Disclosure: Dr. William Mitchell, Prof. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University is a member of the Board of Directors of Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. and is a shareholder in the Company.
Forward-Looking Statements
To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "potential," "potentially," "expects," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Hemispherx that any of its plans will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees of future performance, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Hemispherx's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include those set forth in the Disclosure Notice, above, as well as the risks described in Hemispherx's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Hemispherx undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise revise or update this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Company/Investor Contact: Charles Jones CJones & Associates Public Relations 888-557-6480
