BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OXIS International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: OXIS; Euronext Paris: OXI) announces that online registration is now open for the "First International Congress on Ergothioneine, Antioxidants & Age Management Medicine" being held Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17 at the DeNeve Auditorium on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles.  Participants can register at www.ergocongress.com.  The website also contains the conference agenda, background information on Ergothioneine including a White Paper, instructions on obtaining continuing medical education (CME) credits, and travel and lodging information.

The Congress is being hosted by the Gerontology Research Group and OXIS International is the major sponsor. This is the first conference ever held on this important subject and will focus on Ergothioneine's mechanisms of action, health benefits and safety profile, along with potential new applications.  More than two dozen presentations will be made by leading researchers and clinicians in the fields of nutrition, age management and oxidative stress. The world-class faculty includes Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Esteemed Professor of Nutrition at Pennsylvania State University; Dr. John Repine, Director of the Webb-Waring Institute at the University of Colorado; Dr. Okezie Aruoma, founding faculty member of the Tuoro School of Pharmacy; Dr. L. Steven Coles, Executive Director of the Gerontology Research Group; and Dr. Bruce N. Ames, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California Berkeley, and a Senior Scientist at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

"OXIS International is proud to be a major sponsor of this First International Congress on Ergothioneine," said Bernie Landes, President of OXIS International. "The Congress has a tremendous lineup of speakers, including keynote presentations by Dr. Stephen Clarke, Director of the Molecular Biology Institute at UCLA and Dr. Alexander Schauss, CEO and Senior Director of Natural and Medicinal Products Research at AIBMR Life Sciences. The complete presentation agenda offers unique value to healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, pharmaceutical scientists, physicians and pharmacists, food scientists and technologists interested in the role of antioxidants in the maintenance of optimal health throughout the natural aging process."

Accreditation

Antioxidants and Age Management Medicine: First International Congress on Ergothioneine, with a beginning date of July 15, 2011, has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 13.75 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award.

About Ergothioneine

Leading members of the scientific community believe that L-ergothioneine (Ergothioneine) may ultimately be shown to be one of the most powerful and effective antioxidants ever discovered, with numerous applications ranging from the maintenance of vibrant good health to the provision of unique nutritional support in the management of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as providing profound benefits in skin care formulations. There is continued interest in the use of nutraceutical compounds such as Ergothioneine to support heart health, brain health and immune function, to support healthy aging, protect and enhance the skin, support joint health and vision and provide an enhanced foundation for overall health and wellness. The full range of basic and applied science related to the role of Ergothioneine will be discussed at the Congress.

About OXIS International, Inc.

OXIS International, Inc. is a long-established but recently revitalized biotechnology Company developing multiple proprietary, natural substance-based products focused on oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with the negative effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species.  The Company's consumer product portfolio includes dietary supplements and is expected ultimately to include functional foods and beverages, skin care and other personal care products, and animal health products.  Specifically, OXIS is emphasizing the unique properties of L-Ergothioneine, a highly potent, patent-protected and versatile antioxidant. The Company recently completed a strategic financing agreement with its primary product development and manufacturing partner, Gemini Pharmaceuticals, launched its first product, ErgoFlex for joint pain relief and overall joint health, and announced a joint venture with engage:BDR, a global leader in online sales and marketing.  For more information, please visit www.oxis.com

SOURCE OXIS International, Inc.