RegeneRx to collaborate with Army

BETHESDA, Md., June 23 (UPI) -- RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. announced a research collaboration with the U.S. Army to evaluate the efficacy of counter-chemical exposure eye drops.

U.S. company RegeneRx says it plans to collaborate with the Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and also with Gabriel Sosne, an associate professor of ophthalmology at Wayne State University.

Officials say the 12-month research collaboration is part of an effort to evaluate the ability of RGN-259 eye drops to counter the effects of a solder or security authority exposed to chemical agents.

"We are pleased to be working with U.S. military on this important project," J.J. Finkelstein, RegeneRx president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"We hope their work will lead to the use of our technology for treatment of eyes exposed to caustic chemicals. RegeneRx is prepared to assist in any way possible to support efforts to protect our military personnel and citizens from exposure to debilitating or life-threatening chemical agents."