ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc. Initiates Homspera(R) Studies Against Global Influenza Threat

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - October 12, 2009) - ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.®, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), today announced that its lead anti-influenza drug, Homspera, will be tested for efficacy against highly lethal H5N1 Avian Influenza in the laboratories of a widely respected University scientist. Additionally, testing at an independent facility will further define the adjuvant efficacy of Homspera when coupled with a novel vaccine for H5N1 in studies sponsored by an ImmuneRegen industry partner.

The influenza A virus is one of the most highly evolving and dangerous viruses that infect humans. Seasonal influenza is highly contagious and even with a relatively low lethality of approximately 0.12% (mostly the very young, elderly or chronically ill individuals), it kills about 36,000 Americans annually. The newly recognized H1N1-2009 influenza virus is also highly infectious, having spread throughout the world in a matter of months with a slightly higher lethality of 0.4% (mostly healthy younger individuals with no prior exposure, or therefore immunity, to this virus type). Early outbreaks of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were relatively contained but with very high lethality of 69%, 67% and 75% respectively.

Currently one of the greatest fears of infectious disease experts is the evolutionary recombination of the highly lethal Avian Flu (or similar) virus with the easily transmissible seasonal or H1N1-2009 virus, thereby creating a virus that combines the worst of both: human transmissibility and high lethality.

Because of these concerns, ImmuneRegen has initiated a study utilizing the highly pathogenic H5N1-Clade 2 virus (the specific virus subtype that has been found to infect humans) to test the efficacy of Homspera in treating ferrets infected with lethal doses of the virus. This study is a continuation of studies previously sponsored by ImmuneRegen testing the efficacy of Homspera in treating the novel H1N1 (“swine flu”) Influenza strain currently considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

ImmuneRegen is also further evaluating the previously demonstrated vaccine adjuvant effect of Homspera in combination with a vaccine for H5N1. This study is being sponsored by a strategic partner of ImmuneRegen and is utilizing a novel H5N1 antigen and delivery technology.

About ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.

ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IR BioSciences Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the research, development and licensing of Homspera® and its derivatives. 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. Viprovex®, a derivative of 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 www.immuneregen.com.

Statements about ImmuneRegen’s future expectations, including statements about the potential use and scientific results for ImmuneRegen’s drug candidates, science and technology, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ImmuneRegen intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These future events may not occur as and when expected, if at all, and, together with ImmuneRegen’s business, are subject to various risks and uncertainties. ImmuneRegen’s actual results could differ materially from expected results as a result of a number of factors, including the uncertainties inherent in research and development collaborations, pre-clinical and clinical trials and product development programs (including, but not limited to the fact that future results or research and development efforts may prove less encouraging than current results or cause side effects not observed in current pre-clinical trials), the evaluation of potential opportunities, the level of corporate expenditures and monies available for further studies, capital market conditions, and others set forth in ImmuneRegen’s periodic report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are no guarantees that any of ImmuneRegen’s proposed products will prove to be commercially successful. ImmuneRegen undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.