Regen BioPharma, Inc. Discusses Its Major Small Molecule Drug Screening Program Targeting Immune Checkpoint NR2F6

SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Regen BioPharma, Inc., (OTCQB: RGBP) and (OTCQB: RGBPP) discussed recent initiation of a major effort to identify small molecules that bind to the Company's newly identified immune checkpoint NR2F6.  This is the first of a series of steps in developing small molecules which the Company plans to use as a basis for creating a "checkpoint inhibitor pill."  Previously, the Company reported the use of gene silencing of NR2F6 leads to:

a) induction of cancer stem cell differentiation, a process that renders malignant cancer cells benign and b) immune cell activation, including production of IL-18 and IL-2.

"We have gathered several well thought out chemical libraries which are most likely to give us new chemical entities that inhibit and/or activate NR2F6.  We are optimistic that this program will identify lead compounds in the near term that potentially create a new generation of immune-stimulatory anticancer drugs.  The Company believes these oral drugs will on the one hand unleash anticancer immune responses and on the other hand directly reprogram cancers rendering them less malignant," said Harry Lander, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regen.  "This small molecule approach complements our tCellVax program whereby NR2F6-gene expression in autologous immune cells is inhibited using siRNA.  We believe that by using two independent approaches towards the same target we will be in a position to accelerate clinical implementation and diversify our product pipeline.  If we are also fortunate enough to identify an activator of NR2F6, we will be in a position to begin a program on treating auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, graft versus host disease and lupus."

NR2F6 is a molecular switch known as a "orphan nuclear receptor", which controls genes associated with the immune response as well as genes associated with the ability of cancer stem cells to propagate.  Regen has filed numerous patents covering means of manipulating NR2F6 in oncology and immunology.  Issued US Patent # 9091696 was granted to Regen and covers means of screening small molecules such as is being done in this program.  

"From a patient perspective, development of a 'checkpoint inhibitor pill' offers numerous potential advantages to currently utilized checkpoint inhibitors in terms of cost, lack of need for injections, and potentially better control of the drug's activities," said David Koos, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Regen.

About Regen BioPharma, Inc. 

Regen BioPharma Inc. is a publicly traded biotechnology company (OTCQB: RGBP) and (OTCQB: RGBPP). The company seeks to identify undervalued regenerative medicine applications in the immunotherapy and stem cell space. The company aims to rapidly advance these technologies through pre-clinical and Phase I/II clinical trials. Currently the company is focusing on checkpoint inhibitor and gene silencing therapies for treating cancer, along with developing stem cell treatments for aplastic anemia.

Disclaimer: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition and other material risks.

Contact:

Regen BioPharma Inc.
David R. Koos, PhD 
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
+1-619-702-1404 Phone
+1-619-330-2328 Fax
[email protected]

The Dorsee Company
Debra Dorsee
+1(858) 229-6082
[email protected]

http://www.regenbiopharma.com and http://www.regenbiopharmainc.com

Twitter:  Regen BioPharma News: https://twitter.com/RegenBioPharm

SOURCE Regen BioPharma Inc.