Hemispherx Biopharma Expands Alferon LDO -R- As Potential New Therapy for Avian Influenza.

PHILADELPHIA -- Novel Concept is to Activate Gene-Based Protection by Oral Route

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (Amex:HEB) continues the evaluation of Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (Human Leukocyte Derived)) as a potential therapy for Avian Flu.

The anticipated clinical trials in human volunteers (to be conducted in both the U.S. and Asia) are designed to determine whether Alferon N, delivered in a new, experimental oral drug delivery format, can resuscitate the broad-spectrum antiviral genes, which are shut down by dreaded viruses such as avian flu and smallpox.

Considering today's announcement of a "risky" experiment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to simulate the mixing and matching of genes from the avian flu virus and a common human flu into a pandemic, Hemispherx's upcoming human trials are more necessary than ever.

With the World Health Organization predicting that the avian flu threatens to spread around the world and infect millions of people, Hemispherx Biopharma is one of a few companies evaluating a potential treatment for the deadly virus in a safely designed and controlled environment.

The multiple actions of cocktails of material human alpha interferons is the crux of Hemispherx's belief that Alferon N (already FDA-approved for treatment of human papilloma virus) may be able to inactivate avian influenza by boosting the immune system of both birds raised as poultry crop so as to prevent infection, as well as act as both a short-term immune boost lending to a long-term vaccine-like protection in humans. Initial studies indicate that alpha interferons stimulate broad-spectrum antiviral and immune system genes when given by injection, but such studies have not yet been systematically controlled by oral delivery.

With the lack of any currently available treatment for Avian Flu in the marketplace, as well as the potential for a "global pandemic" anticipated by many if the virus mutates and transfers from animals to humans, Hemispherx is a drug manufacturer with a novel approach to battling Avian Flu: Tested in the food and water of birds raised as poultry crops (where the virus may breed) the company has found that Alferon N may reduce mortality rates and may contribute to a healthier bird population. Additionally, and very importantly, Hemispherx is set to begin drug trials in humans within the month looking at relevant gene activation profiles.

Recent studies indicate that these disabled genes may have led to the pandemic in 1918/1919, which killed millions around the globe.

About Hemispherx

Hemispherx Biopharma, based in Philadelphia, is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the manufacture and clinical development of new drug entities. Its flagship products include Alferon N(R) and the experimental antiviral products, Ampligen(R) and Oragens(TM). These novel Alferon-N proteins, commercially available for a category of STD infection, and experimental nucleic acids are being developed for globally important chronic diseases and disorders of the immune system including HPV, HIV, CFS and Hepatitis. Its four major technology platforms include large-and small-agent components for potential treatment of various chronic viral infections, and are being developed with various corporate, governmental and academic collaborators worldwide. Hemispherx has more than 200 patents comprising its core intellectual property estate, a fully commercialized product (Alferon N(R)) and GMP certified manufacturing facilities for its novel pharma products. For more information please visit www.hemispherx.net

Information contained in this news release other than historical information, should be considered forward-looking and is subject to various risk factors and uncertainties. For instance, the strategies and operations of Hemispherx involve risk of competition, changing market conditions, change in laws and regulations affecting these industries and numerous other factors discussed in this release and in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any specifically referenced investigational drugs and associated technologies of the company (including Ampligen and Oragens) are experimental in nature and as such are not designated safe and effective by a regulatory authority for general use and are legally available only through clinical trials with the referenced disorders. The forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Only Clinical Studies under well-controlled conditions can establish efficacy and safety of any product. Clinical trials for other potential indications of the approved biologic Alferon N do not imply that the product will ever be specifically approved commercially for these other treatment indications including avian flu.