Singapore, April 23, 2008: US-based RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals has received a patent from the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department using Tβ4, analogues, isoforms and derivatives to accelerate corneal wound healing and reverse or inhibit eye degeneration. The patent claims are based on a significant body of data supporting the use of Tβ4 for wound healing of the cornea and other areas in and around the eye.

 

Tβ4’s corneal wound healing properties are being tested in a RegeneRx-sponsored phase II clinical trial using an ophthalmic formulation, RGN-259, in diabetic vitrectomy patients, where a portion of the outer layer of the cornea is sometimes removed in order for surgeons to perform the procedure. Due to their diabetes, these patients often have problems healing quickly or at all.

 

Tβ4 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human cells. It is a first-in-class product candidate that promotes endothelial cell differentiation, angiogenesis in dermal tissues, keratinocyte migration, collagen deposition, and down-regulates inflammation.