RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals received a notice of allowance of a US patent application for using Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4) and various fragments and other related peptides for the prevention and treatment of neuro and muscular degenerative diseases and related tissue damage. The patent for using Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4) will expire in 2026. Earlier in January, 2014 the US FDA's Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) has granted orphan drug status for the company's drug candidate, Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4), for the treatment of Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK), a serious degenerative disease of the corneal epithelium (the outside layer of the eye).

Major feature of the disease include reduction in corneal sensitivity or complete corneal anesthesia and is responsible for producing corneal ulceration, perforation, pain and impaired vision.