IR Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (IRBS)

[TOUCAN]

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Initiates Studies on ImmuneRegen BioSciences' Cancer Therapy Candidate:

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to Evaluate Homspera(R) in Novel Cancer Therapy Model; Expand on Previous Homspera Findings in the Domain of Cancer Immunotherapy

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - 02/10/10) - ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.®, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings Inc. (OTC.BB:IRBS - News), today announced the execution of an agreement with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to commence studies utilizing ImmuneRegen's Homspera. Under the agreement the Hutchinson Center will perform exploratory studies on Homspera, specifically focusing on the area of cancer immunotherapy. The Center expects to raise approximately $30 million within the next 3-4 years to support immunotherapy research projects and has recently announced a gift of approximately one-third of that amount. Studies at the Hutchinson Center will be performed under the direction of Dr. Cassian Yee , who has successfully used immune cells from patients with melanoma to cause long-term remission in their tumors.

Recent studies have found Homspera to be effective in enhancing the efficacy of a novel cancer vaccine, and previous studies have revealed anti-tumor effects. These experiments taking place at the Hutchinson Center are designed to expand on this previous research, which has identified a critical role for Homspera in directing the immune system towards fighting cancers -- in particular, aggressive cancers where conventional therapies are ineffective. This work will evaluate the effect of Homspera exposure on patients' own cancer-specific cytotoxic T-cell stimulation. While these initial studies will evaluate melanoma immunotherapy this model also has clinical relevance for a wide-range of cancer types.

"We are excited to be pursuing this relationship, which offers ImmuneRegen the opportunity to have Homspera further evaluated in the area of melanoma by a group with enormous proven expertise. Additionally, following successful findings, we would be situated perfectly to leverage our relationship with research and clinical experts at this leading Cancer Research Center who have experience in developing therapies that translate to real world cancer treatments. This could lead to a more rapid developmental path for Homspera as well," said Hal Siegel, Ph.D., ImmuneRegen's Chief Scientific Officer.

About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.
ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC.BB:IRBS - News), is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the research, development and licensing of Homspera®. 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. Homspera is being developed for potential use against infectious diseases as a stand-alone or combination therapy and as a vaccine adjuvant. To advance its mission, the Scottsdale, Arizona based company has forged numerous study partnerships with industry and academic leaders, including Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, HemoGenix, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and Virion Systems. For more information, please visit http://www.immuneregen.com/

LINK:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Fred-Hutchinson-Cancer-iw-3611982489.html?x=0&.v=1