BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OXIS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: OXIS, Paris: OXI) is proud to announce that it has initiated active planning for the First World Congress on Ergothioneine, to be held in Los Angeles, California in July 2011 (the specific date will be announced at a later date).  This first ever gathering of world experts in the fields of oxidative stress, healthy aging and chronic disease prevention and management will feature presentations by members of Oxis' "Blue Ribbon" Science Advisory Board that will focus on the unique properties and potential benefits of Ergothioneine as they relate to their specific areas of expertise.

Dr. Okezie Aruoma, President of the Oxis SAB and founding faculty member of the Tuoro School of Pharmacy, will present the latest research on the biochemistry of Ergothioneine and its relationship to key chronic disease states, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and arthritis.  Dr. John Repine, Director of the Webb-Waring Institute at the University of Colorado, a leading center for the study of oxidative stress related conditions, will present the latest clinical research regarding the use of powerful new antioxidants, including Ergothioneine, in developing novel approaches to prevention and treatment.  Dr. Steven Coles, a world authority on healthy aging and extreme longevity will present the latest related findings in these increasingly important areas of research.

The keynote speaker, to be announced at a later date, will be a member of the scientific community with a research focus and degree of expertise sure to attract a large audience.  Oxis expects to announce further details of the conference including specifics of dates, venue and agenda shortly.

About OXIS International, Inc.

OXIS International, Inc. develops technologies and products to research, diagnose, treat and prevent diseases of oxidative stress/inflammation associated with damage from free radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The company holds the rights to several therapeutic classes of compounds in the area of oxidative stress, and has focused commercialization programs that include SOD (superoxide dismutase), MPO (myeloperoxidase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), as well as a highly potent antioxidant, Ergothioneine, that may be sold over-the-counter (OTC) as a dietary supplement.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE OXIS International, Inc.