As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2004
                                                     Registration No. 333-117178
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                              --------------------

                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                   ON FORM S-3
                                   TO FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                              --------------------

                           HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    Delaware
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                                   52-0845822
                      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                              --------------------

                               1617 JFK Boulevard
                        Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
                                 (215) 988-0080

    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                  of registrant's principal executive offices)

                              --------------------

                William A. Carter, M.D., Chief Executive Officer
                           Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc.
                               1617 JFK Boulevard
                        Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
                                 (215) 988-0080

       (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
                        area code, of agent for service)

                        Copies of all communications to:
                              Richard Feiner, Esq.
                        Silverman Sclar Shin & Byrne PLLC
                        381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1601
                            New York, New York, 10016
                                 (212) 779-8600
                               Fax (212) 779-8858



      Approximate date of proposed sale to the public: From time to time or at
      one time after the effective date of this Post-Effective Amendment to this
      Registration Statement.

      If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

      If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933 ("Securities Act"), other than securities offered only in connection
with dividend or reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

      If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to 462(c) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.[ ]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]

This Registration Statement on Form S-3 constitutes a post-effective amendment
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-117178). The Company is filing this post-effective amendment because it is
now eligible to file registration statements on Form S-3. Pursuant to Rule
401(c) under the Securities Act, the Company is filing this post-effective
amendment on Form S-3.

Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
prospectus included in this Registration Statement also relates to the remaining
unsold shares which were previously registered by the Registrant under
Registration Statement Nos. 333-108645, 333-111135 and 333-113796.

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on the date or dates as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a
further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall
become effective on a date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


                                       ii


The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be amended. Neither
we nor the selling stockholders may sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an
offer to buy these securities in any state where an offer or sale is not
permitted.

                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                 PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2004

                           HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.

                        11,493,641 Shares of Common Stock

                    ----------------------------------------

THE OFFERING:

      This prospectus relates to the resale of 11,493,641 shares of our common
stock that may be offered and sold from time to time by selling shareholders and
the persons to whom such selling stockholders may transfer their shares,
consisting of: (1) 135% of 1,857,745 shares of common stock issuable upon the
conversion, redemption or other payments relating to our 6% Senior Convertible
Debentures Due January 2006 ("January 2004 Debentures") and as payment of
interest thereon and 135% of 790,514 shares of common stock issuable upon the
exercise of the related warrants ("July 2009 Warrants"); (2) 135% of 1,000,004
shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion, redemption or other
payments relating to our 6% Senior Convertible Debentures Due January 2006
(issued in July 2004 upon exercise of Additional Investment Rights held by the
holders of the January 2004 Debentures) ("July 2004 Debentures"), and as payment
of interest thereon; (3) 135% of 1,129,221 shares of common stock issuable upon
the conversion, redemption or other payments relating to our 6% Senior
Convertible Debentures Due October 2005 ("October 2003 Debentures") and as
payment of interest thereon; (4) 135% of 1,300,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued to the Debenture holders in May
2004 ("May 2009 Warrants"); (5) 135% of the 1,300,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued to the Debenture Holders in July
2004 ("June 2009 Warrants") and 1,160,160 shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of other warrants; and (6) 373,893 shares of common stock (which
includes the shares issued upon exercise of warrants that were issued to the
Debenture Holders in June, July and October 2003) to be sold by certain of the
selling stockholders listed on page 17 of this prospectus. We are registering
these shares of common stock pursuant to commitments to register the securities
with the selling stockholders.

      No securities are being offered or sold by us pursuant to this prospectus.
The selling stockholders acquired the common stock and the warrants to purchase
common stock directly from us in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of federal and state securities laws. We will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sale of these shares by the selling stockholders, but we
will receive proceeds from the cash exercise of warrants, if any.

      Our common stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
HEB. The reported last sale price on the American Stock Exchange on September
14, 2004 was $2.46.

      The selling stockholders may sell their shares from time to time on the
American Stock Exchange or otherwise, in one or more transactions at fixed
prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at prices negotiated
with purchasers. The selling stockholders will be responsible for any
commissions or discounts due to brokers or dealers. We will pay substantially
all expenses of registration of the shares covered by this prospectus.

                    ----------------------------------------

      PLEASE SEE THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 TO READ ABOUT CERTAIN
FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.

                    ----------------------------------------



      NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED THAT
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                The date of this prospectus is September __, 2004




                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a "shelf" registration
statement. The selling stockholders may from time to time sell their shares of
our common stock in one or more transactions. This prospectus provides you with
a general description of the common stock being offered. You should read this
prospectus, including all documents incorporated herein by reference, together
with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information."

      The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the
exhibits to the registration statement, contains additional information about us
and the securities being offered under this prospectus. You should read the
registration statement and the accompanying exhibits for further information.
The registration statement and exhibits can be read and are available to the
public over the Internet at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov as described
under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

ABOUT HEMISPHERX

      In the course of almost three decades, we have established a strong
foundation of laboratory, pre-clinical and clinical data with respect to the
development of nucleic acids to enhance the natural antiviral defense system of
the human body and the development of therapeutic products for the treatment of
chronic diseases. Our strategy is to obtain the required regulatory approvals
which will allow the progressive introduction of Ampligen(R) (our proprietary
drug) for treating Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
("ME/CFS"), HIV, Hepatitis C ("HCV") and Hepatitis B ("HBV") in the U.S.,
Canada, Europe and Japan. We recently completed a phase III clinical trial in
the U.S. for use of Ampligen in treatment of ME/CFS and are in the process of
assembling and analyzing the obtained data preparatory to completing and filing
a New Drug Application("NDA") with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration("FDA").
We are also testing Ampligen in Phase IIb Clinical Trials in the U.S. for the
treatment of newly emerging multi-drug resistant HIV, and for the induction of
cell mediated immunity in HIV patients that are under control using potentially
toxic drug cocktails.

      Our proprietary drug technology utilizes specifically configured
ribonucleic acid ("RNA") and is protected by more than 250 patents worldwide,
with over 16 additional patent applications pending to provide further
proprietary protection in various international markets. Certain patents apply
to the use of Ampligen(R) alone and certain patents apply to the use of
Ampligen(R) in combination with certain other drugs. Some compositions of matter
patents pertain to other new RNA compounds, which have a similar mechanism of
action.

      In March 2003 we obtained from Interferon Sciences, Inc. ("ISI") all of
its raw materials, work-in-progress and finished product ALFERON N Injection(R),
together with a limited license to sell ALFERON N Injection(R), a natural alpha
interferon that has been approved for commercial sale for the intralesional
treatment of refractory or recurring external condylomata acuminata ("genital
warts") in patients 18 years of age or older in the United States. In March


                                       2


2004, we acquired from ISI the balance of ISI's rights to its product as well as
ISI's production facility. We are marketing the ALFERON N Injection(R) in the
United States through sales facilitated via third party agreements.
Additionally, we intend to implement studies testing the efficacy of ALFERON N
Injection(R) in multiple sclerosis and other chronic viral diseases. In this
regard, the FDA recently authorized a Phase II clinical study designed to
investigate the activity and safety of Alferon LDO(R) in early stage HIV
positive patients.

      Our principal executive offices are located at One Penn Center, 1617 JFK
Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, and its telephone number is
215-988-0080.

SECURITIES OFFERED

Common stock to be offered
by the selling stockholders.........11,493,641 Shares

Common stock outstanding
prior to this offering..............49,110,571 Shares

Use of Proceeds.....................We will not receive any of the proceeds from
                                    the sale of the shares of common stock
                                    because they are being offered by the
                                    selling stockholders and we are not offering
                                    any shares for sale under this prospectus,
                                    but we may receive proceeds from the
                                    exercise of warrants held by certain of the
                                    selling stockholders. We will apply such
                                    proceeds, if any, toward funding our
                                    research and development efforts, capital
                                    improvements, working capital and, possibly,
                                    acquisitions. See "Use of Proceeds."

American Stock Exchange symbol......HEB

The 11,493,641 shares of our common stock offered consist of:

      o     135% of 1,857,745 shares of common stock issuable upon the
            conversion, redemption or other payments relating to our 6% Senior
            Convertible Debentures Due January 2006 ("January 2004 Debentures")
            and as payment of interest thereon;
      o     135% of 790,514 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
            the related warrants ("July 2009 Warrants");
      o     135% of 1,000,004 shares of common stock issuable upon the
            conversion, redemption or other payments relating to our 6% Senior
            Convertible Debentures Due January 2006 (issued in July 2004 upon
            exercise of Additional Investment Rights held by the holders of the
            January 2004 Debentures) ("July 2004 Debentures") and as payment of
            interest thereon;


                                       3


      o     135% of 1,129,221 shares of common stock issuable upon the
            conversion, redemption or other payments relating to our 6% Senior
            Convertible Debentures Due October 2005 ("October 2003 Debentures")
            and as payment of interest thereon;
      o     135% of 1,300,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise
            of warrants issued to the Debenture holders in May 2004 ("May 2009
            Warrants");
      o     135% of 1,300,00 shares of common stock issued to the Debenture
            Holders in July 2004 ("June 2009 warrants");
      o     1,160,160 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of other
            warrants; and
      o     373,893 shares of common stock owned by certain of the selling
            stockholders.

                                  RISK FACTORS

                SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      Certain statements in this prospectus constitute "forwarding-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1995
(collectively, the "Reform Act"). Certain, but not necessarily all, of such
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," or
"anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable
terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties.
All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this
prospectus regarding our financial position, business strategy and plans or
objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Without
limiting the broader description of forward-looking statements above, we
specifically note that statements regarding potential drugs, their potential
therapeutic effect, the possibility of obtaining regulatory approval, our
ability to manufacture and sell any products, market acceptance or our ability
to earn a profit from sales or licenses of any drugs or our ability to discover
new drugs in the future are all forward-looking in nature.

      Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to, the risk factors
discussed below, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements
of Hemispherx and its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements and other factors referenced in this prospectus. We
do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the
results of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statement to
reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect
the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

      The following cautionary statements identify important factors that could
cause our actual result to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements made in this prospectus. Among the key factors that
have a direct bearing on our results of operations are:


                                       4


NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

      Ampligen(R) and related products. The development of Ampligen(R) and our
other related products is subject to a number of significant risks. Ampligen(R)
may be found to be ineffective or to have adverse side effects, fail to receive
necessary regulatory clearances, be difficult to manufacture on a commercial
scale, be uneconomical to market or be precluded from commercialization by
proprietary right of third parties. Our products are in various stages of
clinical and pre-clinical development and, require further clinical studies and
appropriate regulatory approval processes before any such products can be
marketed. We do not know when, if ever, Ampligen(R) or our other products will
be generally available for commercial sale for any indication. Generally, only a
small percentage of potential therapeutic products are eventually approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for commercial sale.

      ALFERON N Injection(R). Although ALFERON N Injection(R) is approved for
marketing in the United States for the intralesional treatment of refractory or
recurring external genital warts in patients 18 years of age or older, to date
it has not been approved for other indications. We face many of the risks
discussed above, with regard to developing this product for use to treat other
ailments such as multiple sclerosis and cancer.

OUR DRUG AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES ARE INVESTIGATIONAL AND SUBJECT TO REGULATORY
APPROVAL. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN REGULATORY APPROVAL, OUR OPERATIONS WILL BE
SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED.

      All of our drugs and associated technologies other than ALFERON N
Injection(R) are investigational and must receive prior regulatory approval by
appropriate regulatory authorities for general use and are currently legally
available only through clinical trials with specified disorders. At present,
ALFERON N Injection(R) is only approved for the intralesional treatment of
refractory or recurring external genital warts in patients 18 years of age or
older. Use of ALFERON N Injection(R) for other indications will require
regulatory approval. In this regard, Interferon Sciences, Inc. ("ISI"), the
company from which we obtained our rights to ALFERON N Injection(R), conducted
clinical trials related to use of ALFERON N Injection(R) for treatment of HIV
and Hepatitis C. In both instances, the FDA determined that additional studies
were necessary in order to fully evaluate the efficacy of ALFERON N Injection(R)
in the treatment of HIV and Hepatitis C diseases. We have no obligation or
immediate plans to conduct these additional studies at this time.

      Our products, including Ampligen(R), are subject to extensive regulation
by numerous governmental authorities in the U.S. and other countries, including,
but not limited to, the FDA in the U.S., the Health Protection Branch ("HPB") of
Canada, and the European Medical Evaluation Agency ("EMEA") in Europe. Obtaining
regulatory approvals is a rigorous and lengthy process and requires the
expenditure of substantial resources. In order to obtain final regulatory
approval of a new drug, we must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
regulatory agency that the product is safe and effective for its intended uses
and that we are capable of manufacturing the product to the applicable
regulatory standards. We require regulatory approval in order to market
Ampligen(R) or any other proposed product and receive product revenues or


                                       5


royalties. We cannot assure you that Ampligen(R) will ultimately be demonstrated
to be safe or efficacious. In addition, while Ampligen(R) is authorized for use
in clinical trials in the United States and other countries, we cannot assure
you that additional clinical trial approvals will be authorized in the United
States or in other countries, in a timely fashion or at all, or that we will
complete these clinical trials. If Ampligen(R) or one of our other products does
not receive regulatory approval in the U.S. or elsewhere, our operations most
likely will be materially adversely affected.

WE MAY CONTINUE TO INCUR SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES AND OUR FUTURE PROFITABILITY IS
UNCERTAIN.

      We began operations in 1966 and last reported net profit from 1985 through
1987. Since 1987, we have incurred substantial operating losses, as we pursued
our clinical trial effort and expanded our efforts in Europe. As of June 30,
2004 our accumulated deficit was approximately $127,841,000. We have not yet
generated significant revenues from our products and may incur substantial and
increased losses in the future. We cannot assure that we will ever achieve
significant revenues from product sales or become profitable. We require, and
will continue to require, the commitment of substantial resources to develop our
products. We cannot assure that our product development efforts will be
successfully completed or that required regulatory approvals will be obtained or
that any products will be manufactured and marketed successfully, or be
profitable.

WE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINANCING WHICH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.

      The development of our products will require the commitment of substantial
resources to conduct the time-consuming research, preclinical development, and
clinical trials that are necessary to bring pharmaceutical products to market.
As of June 30, 2004, we had approximately $9,433,000 in cash and cash
equivalents and short-term investments. We believe that these funds plus 1) the
gross proceeds received from the exercise of warrants and the Additional
Investment Rights of approximately $4,198,980 on July 13, 2004, 2) the gross
proceeds from the August 2004 Private Placement of equity securities on August
5, 2004 of approximately $7,500,000, 3) the projected net cash flow from the
sale of ALFERON N Injection(R) and 4) the proceeds from licensing agreements
should be sufficient to meet our operating cash requirements including debt
service for the next 24 months. We may need to raise additional funds through
additional equity or debt financing or from other sources in order to complete
the necessary clinical trials and the regulatory approval processes and begin
commercializing Ampligen(R) products. There can be no assurances that we will
raise adequate funds from these or other sources, which may have a material
adverse effect on our ability to develop our products.


                                       6


WE MAY NOT BE PROFITABLE UNLESS WE CAN PROTECT OUR PATENTS AND/OR RECEIVE
APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL PENDING PATENTS.

      We need to preserve and acquire enforceable patents covering the use of
Ampligen(R) and Alferon N Injection(R) for a particular disease in order to
obtain exclusive rights for the commercial sale of such drug for such disease.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to preserve and obtain patent
protection for our products and to obtain and preserve our trade secrets and
expertise. Certain of our know-how and technology is not patentable,
particularly the procedures for the manufacture of our drug product which are
carried out according to standard operating procedure manuals. We have been
issued certain patents including those on the use of Ampligen(R) and Ampligen(R)
in combination with certain other drugs for the treatment of HIV. We also have
been issued patents on the use of Ampligen(R) in combination with certain other
drugs for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B virus, chronic Hepatitis C virus,
and a patent which affords protection on the use of Ampligen(R) in patients with
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. We have not yet been issued any patents in the United
States for the use of Ampligen(R) as a sole treatment for any of the cancers,
which we have sought to target. With regard to ALFERON N Injection(R), we have
acquired from ISI its patents for natural alpha interferon produced from human
peripheral blood leukocytes and its production process. We cannot assure that
our competitors will not seek and obtain patents regarding the use of similar
products in combination with various other agents, for a particular target
indication prior to our doing such. If we cannot protect our patents covering
the use of our products for a particular disease, or obtain additional patents,
we may not be able to successfully market our products.

THE PATENT POSITION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL FIRMS IS HIGHLY
UNCERTAIN AND INVOLVES COMPLEX LEGAL AND FACTUAL QUESTIONS.

      To date, no consistent policy has emerged regarding the breadth of
protection afforded by pharmaceutical and biotechnology patents. There can be no
assurance that new patent applications relating to our products or technology
will result in patents being issued or that, if issued, such patents will afford
meaningful protection against competitors with similar technology. It is
generally anticipated that there may be significant litigation in the industry
regarding patent and intellectual property rights. Such litigation could require
substantial resources from us and we may not have the financial resources
necessary to enforce the patent rights that we hold. No assurance can be made
that our patents will provide competitive advantages for our products or will
not be successfully challenged by competitors. No assurance can be given that
patents do not exist or could not be filed which would have a materially adverse
effect on our ability to develop or market our products or to obtain or maintain
any competitive position that we may achieve with respect to our products. Our
patents also may not prevent others from developing competitive products using
related technology.


                                       7


THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN NECESSARY LICENSES IF
WE CANNOT ENFORCE PATENT RIGHTS WE MAY HOLD. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE OF THIRD
PARTIES FROM WHOM WE CURRENTLY LICENSE CERTAIN PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OR FROM
WHOM WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN SUCH LICENSES IN THE FUTURE, TO ADEQUATELY
ENFORCE THEIR RIGHTS TO SUCH PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
VALUE OF SUCH LICENSES TO US.

      If we cannot enforce the patent rights we currently hold we may be
required to obtain licenses from others to develop, manufacture or market our
products. There can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain any such
licenses on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. We currently license
certain proprietary information from third parties, some of which may have been
developed with government grants under circumstances where the government
maintained certain rights with respect to the proprietary information developed.
No assurances can be given that such third parties will adequately enforce any
rights they may have or that the rights, if any, retained by the government will
not adversely affect the value of our license.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT OUR TRADE SECRETS WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED OR KNOWN BY
OUR COMPETITORS.

      To protect our rights, we require certain employees and consultants to
enter into confidentiality agreements with us. There can be no assurance that
these agreements will not be breached, that we would have adequate and
enforceable remedies for any breach, or that any trade secrets of ours will not
otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.

IF OUR DISTRIBUTORS DO NOT MARKET OUR PRODUCTS SUCCESSFULLY, WE MAY NOT GENERATE
SIGNIFICANT REVENUES OR BECOME PROFITABLE.

      We have limited marketing and sales capability. We are dependent upon
existing and, possibly future, marketing agreements and third party distribution
agreements for our products in order to generate significant revenues and become
profitable. As a result, any revenues received by us will be dependent on the
efforts of third parties, and there is no assurance that these efforts will be
successful. Our agreement with Accredo offers the potential to provide some
marketing and distribution capacity in the United States while agreements with
Bioclones (Proprietary), Ltd., Biovail Corporation and Laboratorios Del Dr.
Esteve S.A. may provide a sales force in South America, Africa, United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Spain and Portugal.

      We cannot assure that our domestic or foreign marketing partners will be
able to successfully distribute our products, or that we will be able to
establish future marketing or third party distribution agreements on terms
acceptable to us, or that the cost of establishing these arrangements will not
exceed any product revenues. The failure to continue these arrangements or to
achieve other such arrangements on satisfactory terms could have a materially
adverse effect on us.


                                       8


THERE ARE NO LONG-TERM AGREEMENTS WITH SUPPLIERS OF REQUIRED MATERIALS. IF WE
ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED RAW MATERIALS, WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SCALE
BACK OUR OPERATIONS OR STOP MANUFACTURING ALFERON N INJECTION.

      A number of essential materials are used in the production of ALFERON N
Injection(R), including human white blood cells. We do not have long-term
agreements for the supply of any of such materials. There can be no assurance we
can enter into long-term supply agreements covering essential materials on
commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain the
required raw materials, we may be required to scale back our operations or stop
manufacturing ALFERON N Injection(R). The costs and availability of products and
materials we need for the commercial production of ALFERON N Injection(R) and
other products which we may commercially produce are subject to fluctuation
depending on a variety of factors beyond our control, including competitive
factors, changes in technology, and FDA and other governmental regulations and
there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such products and
materials on terms acceptable to us or at all.

THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCCESSFUL MANUFACTURE OF A DRUG ON A LIMITED SCALE
BASIS FOR INVESTIGATIONAL USE WILL LEAD TO A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO
COMMERCIAL, LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION.

      Small changes in methods of manufacturing may affect the chemical
structure of Ampligen(R) and other RNA drugs, as well as their safety and
efficacy. Changes in methods of manufacture, including commercial scale-up may
affect the chemical structure of Ampligen(R) and can, among other things,
require new clinical studies and affect orphan drug status, particularly, market
exclusivity rights, if any, under the Orphan Drug Act. The transition from
limited production of pre-clinical and clinical research quantities to
production of commercial quantities of our products will involve distinct
management and technical challenges and will require additional management and
technical personnel and capital to the extent such manufacturing is not handled
by third parties. There can be no assurance that our manufacturing will be
successful or that any given product will be determined to be safe and
effective, capable of being manufactured economically in commercial quantities
or successfully marketed.

WE HAVE LIMITED MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE AND CAPACITY.

      Ampligen(R) is currently produced only in limited quantities for use in
our clinical trials and we are dependent upon certain third party suppliers for
key components of our products and for substantially all of the production
process. The failure to continue these arrangements or to achieve other such
arrangements on satisfactory terms could have a material adverse affect on us.
Also, to be successful, our products must be manufactured in commercial
quantities in compliance with regulatory requirements and at acceptable costs.
To the extent we are involved in the production process, our current facilities
are not adequate for the production of our proposed products for large-scale
commercialization, and we currently do not have adequate personnel to conduct
commercial-scale manufacturing. We intend to utilize third-party facilities if
and when the need arises or, if we are unable to do so, to build or acquire
commercial-scale manufacturing facilities. We will need to comply with
regulatory requirements for such facilities, including those of the FDA and HPB
pertaining to current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") regulations. There
can be no assurance that such facilities can be used, built, or acquired on
commercially acceptable terms, or that such facilities, if used, built, or
acquired, will be adequate for our long-term needs.


                                       9


      The purified drug concentrate utilized in the formulation of ALFERON N
Injection(R) is manufactured in ISI's facility and ALFERON N Injection(R) is
formulated and packaged at a production facility operated by Abbott Laboratories
located in Kansas. In March 2004 we acquired ISI's New Brunswick, NJ facility.
We still will be dependent upon Abbott Laboratories and/or another third party
for product formulation and packaging.

WE MAY NOT BE PROFITABLE UNLESS WE CAN PRODUCE AMPLIGEN(R) OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN
COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES AT COSTS ACCEPTABLE TO US.

      We have never produced Ampligen(R) or any other products in large
commercial quantities. Ampligen(R) is currently produced for use in clinical
trials. We must manufacture our products in compliance with regulatory
requirements in large commercial quantities and at acceptable costs in order for
us to be profitable. We intend to utilize third-party manufacturers and/or
facilities if and when the need arises or, if we are unable to do so, to build
or acquire commercial-scale manufacturing facilities. If we cannot manufacture
commercial quantities of Ampligen(R) or enter into third party agreements for
its manufacture at costs acceptable to us, our operations will be significantly
affected. Also, each production lots of Alferon N Injection(R) is subject to FDA
review and approval prior to releasing the lots to be sold. This review and
approval process could take considerable time, which would delay our having
product in inventory to sell. Alferon N Injection(R) has a shelf life of 18
months after having been bottled.

RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE MAY RENDER OUR PRODUCTS OBSOLETE OR NON-COMPETITIVE.

      The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are subject to rapid and
substantial technological change. Technological competition from pharmaceutical
and biotechnology companies, universities, governmental entities and others
diversifying into the field is intense and is expected to increase. Most of
these entities have significantly greater research and development capabilities
than us, as well as substantial marketing, financial and managerial resources,
and represent significant competition for us. There can be no assurance that
developments by others will not render our products or technologies obsolete or
noncompetitive or that we will be able to keep pace with technological
developments.

OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION.

      Ampligen(R). Competitors may be developing technologies that are, or in
the future may be, the basis for competitive products. Some of these potential
products may have an entirely different approach or means of accomplishing
similar therapeutic effects to products being developed by us. These competing
products may be more effective and less costly than our products. In addition,
conventional drug therapy, surgery and other more familiar treatments may offer
competition to our products. Furthermore, many of our competitors have
significantly greater experience than us in pre-clinical testing and human
clinical trials of pharmaceutical products and in obtaining FDA, HPB and other
regulatory approvals of products. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in
obtaining FDA, HPB or other regulatory product approvals more rapidly than us.


                                       10


There are no drugs approved for commercial sale with respect to treating ME/CFS
in the United States. The dominant competitors with drugs to treat HIV diseases
include Gilead Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers, Abbott Labs, Glaxo
Smithkline, Merck and Schering-Plough Corp. These potential competitors are
among the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, are well known to the
public and the medical community, and have substantially greater financial
resources, product development, and manufacturing and marketing capabilities
than we have. Although we believe our principal advantage is the unique
mechanism of action of Ampligen(R) on the immune system, we cannot assure that
we will be able to compete.

      ALFERON N Injection(R). Many potential competitors are among the largest
pharmaceutical companies in the world, are well known to the public and the
medical community, and have substantially greater financial resources, product
development, and manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we have. ALFERON
N Injection(R) currently competes with Schering's injectable recombinant alpha
interferon product (INTRON(R) A) for the treatment of genital warts. 3M
Pharmaceuticals also received FDA approval for its immune-response modifier,
Aldara(R), a self-administered topical cream, for the treatment of external
genital and perianal warts. ALFERON N Injection(R) also competes with surgical,
chemical, and other methods of treating genital warts. We cannot assess the
impact products developed by our competitors, or advances in other methods of
the treatment of genital warts, will have on the commercial viability of ALFERON
N Injection(R). If and when we obtain additional approvals of uses of this
product, we expect to compete primarily on the basis of product performance. Our
potential competitors have developed or may develop products (containing either
alpha or beta interferon or other therapeutic compounds) or other treatment
modalities for those uses. In the United States, three recombinant forms of beta
interferon have been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis. There can be no assurance that, if we are able to obtain regulatory
approval of ALFERON N Injection(R) for the treatment of new indications, we will
be able to achieve any significant penetration into those markets. In addition,
because certain competitive products are not dependent on a source of human
blood cells, such products may be able to be produced in greater volume and at a
lower cost than ALFERON N Injection(R). Currently, our wholesale price on a per
unit basis of ALFERON N Injection(R) is higher than that of the competitive
recombinant alpha and beta interferon products.

      General. Other companies may succeed in developing products earlier than
we do, obtaining approvals for such products from the FDA more rapidly than we
do, or developing products that are more effective than those we may develop.
While we will attempt to expand our technological capabilities in order to
remain competitive, there can be no assurance that research and development by
others or other medical advances will not render our technology or products
obsolete or non-competitive or result in treatments or cures superior to any
therapy we develop.


                                       11


POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE USE OF AMPLIGEN(R) OR ALFERON N INJECTION(R)
COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT POTENTIAL REVENUES AND PHYSICIAN/PATIENT ACCEPTABILITY OF
OUR PRODUCT.

      Ampligen(R). We believe that Ampligen(R) has been generally well tolerated
with a low incidence of clinical toxicity, particularly given the severely
debilitating or life threatening diseases that have been treated. A mild
flushing reaction has been observed in approximately 15% of patients treated in
our various studies. This reaction is occasionally accompanied by a rapid heart
beat, a tightness of the chest, urticaria (swelling of the skin), anxiety,
shortness of breath, subjective reports of "feeling hot," sweating and nausea.
The reaction is usually infusion-rate related and can generally be controlled by
slowing the infusion rate. Other adverse side effects include liver enzyme level
elevations, diarrhea, itching, asthma, low blood pressure, photophobia, rash,
transient visual disturbances, slow or irregular heart rate, decreases in
platelets and white blood cell counts, anemia, dizziness, confusion, elevation
of kidney function tests, occasional temporary hair loss and various flu-like
symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, muscular aches, joint pains,
headaches, nausea and vomiting. These flu-like side effects typically subside
within several months. One or more of the potential side effects might deter
usage of Ampligen(R) in certain clinical situations and therefore, could
adversely affect potential revenues and physician/patient acceptability of our
product.

      ALFERON N Injection(R). At present, ALFERON N Injection(R) is only
approved for the intralesional (within the lesion) treatment of refractory or
recurring external genital warts in adults. In clinical trials conducted for the
treatment of genital warts with ALFERON N Injection(R), patients did not
experience serious side effects; however, there can be no assurance that
unexpected or unacceptable side effects will not be found in the future for this
use or other potential uses of ALFERON N Injection(R) which could threaten or
limit such product's usefulness.

WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS FROM THE USE OF AMPLIGEN(R) OR
OTHER OF OUR PRODUCTS WHICH COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS.

      We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims
in the event that the use of Ampligen(R) or other of our products results in
adverse effects. This liability might result from claims made directly by
patients, hospitals, clinics or other consumers, or by pharmaceutical companies
or others manufacturing these products on our behalf. Our future operations may
be negatively affected from the litigation costs, settlement expenses and lost
product sales inherent to these claims. While we will continue to attempt to
take appropriate precautions, we cannot assure that we will avoid significant
product liability exposure. Although we currently maintain product liability
insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that this insurance will provide
adequate coverage against Ampligen and/or Alferon N Injection product liability
claims. A successful product liability claim against us in excess of Ampligen's
$1,000,000 in insurance coverage; $3,000,000 in aggregate, or in excess of
Alferon's $5,000,000 in insurance coverage; $5,000,000 in aggregate; or for
which coverage is not provided could have a negative effect on our business and
financial condition.


                                       12


THE LOSS OF DR. WILLIAM A. CARTER'S SERVICES COULD HURT OUR CHANCES FOR SUCCESS.

      Our success is dependent on the continued efforts of Dr. William A. Carter
because of his position as a pioneer in the field of nucleic acid drugs, his
being the co-inventor of Ampligen(R), and his knowledge of our overall
activities, including patents and clinical trials. The loss of Dr. Carter's
services could have a material adverse effect on our operations and chances for
success. We have secured key man life insurance in the amount of $2 million on
the life of Dr. Carter and we have an employment agreement with Dr. Carter that,
as amended, runs until May 8, 2008. However, Dr. Carter has the right to
terminate his employment upon not less than 30 days prior written notice. The
loss of Dr. Carter or other personnel, or the failure to recruit additional
personnel as needed could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to
achieve our objectives.

UNCERTAINTY OF HEALTH CARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUR PRODUCTS.

      Our ability to successfully commercialize our products will depend, in
part, on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of such products and
related treatment will be available from government health administration
authorities, private health coverage insurers and other organizations.
Significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved
health care products, and from time to time legislation is proposed, which, if
adopted, could further restrict the prices charged by and/or amounts
reimbursable to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products. We cannot predict
what, if any, legislation will ultimately be adopted or the impact of such
legislation on us. There can be no assurance that third party insurance
companies will allow us to charge and receive payments for products sufficient
to realize an appropriate return on our investment in product development.

THERE ARE RISKS OF LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HANDLING AND DISPOSING OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

      Our business involves the controlled use of hazardous materials,
carcinogenic chemicals and various radioactive compounds. Although we believe
that our safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply
in all material respects with the standards prescribed by applicable
regulations, the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials
cannot be completely eliminated. In the event of such an accident or the failure
to comply with applicable regulations, we could be held liable for any damages
that result, and any such liability could be significant. We do not maintain
insurance coverage against such liabilities.

THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR STOCK MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY MARKET VOLATILITY.

      The market price of our common stock has been and is likely to be
volatile. In addition to general economic, political and market conditions, the
price and trading volume of our stock could fluctuate widely in response to many
factors, including:

      o     announcements of the results of clinical trials by us or our
            competitors;
      o     adverse reactions to products;


                                       13


      o     governmental approvals, delays in expected governmental approvals or
            withdrawals of any prior governmental approvals or public or
            regulatory agency concerns regarding the safety or effectiveness of
            our products;
      o     changes in U.S. or foreign regulatory policy during the period of
            product development;
      o     developments in patent or other proprietary rights, including any
            third party challenges of our intellectual property rights;
      o     announcements of technological innovations by us or our competitors;
      o     announcements of new products or new contracts by us or our
            competitors;
      o     actual or anticipated variations in our operating results due to the
            level of development expenses and other factors;
      o     changes in financial estimates by securities analysts and whether
            our earnings meet or exceed the estimates;
      o     conditions and trends in the pharmaceutical and other industries;
      o     new accounting standards; and
      o     the occurrence of any of the risks described in these "Risk
            Factors."

      Our common stock is listed for quotation on the American Stock Exchange.
For the 12-month period ended August 15, 2004, the price of our common stock has
ranged from $1.82 to $5.40 per shares. We expect the price of our common stock
to remain volatile. The average daily trading volume of our common stock varies
significantly. Our relatively low average volume and low average number of
transactions per day may affect the ability of our stockholders to sell their
shares in the public market at prevailing prices and a more active market may
never develop.

      In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of the
securities of companies in our industry, securities class action litigation has
often been instituted against companies in our industry. If we face securities
litigation in the future, even if without merit or unsuccessful, it would result
in substantial costs and a diversion of management attention and resources,
which would negatively impact our business.

OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SHARES,
PRIMARILY THOSE REGISTERED HEREIN AND IN A PRIOR REGISTRATION STATEMENT, ARE
SOLD IN THE PUBLIC MARKET.

      As of September 13, 2004, approximately 5,023,323 shares of our common
stock, constituted "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933. 4,941,120 of these shares are registered herein or in
another registration statement pursuant to agreements between us and the holders
of these shares. In addition, we have registered 10,843,964 shares issuable (i)
upon conversion of approximately 135% of Debentures that we issued in 2003 and
2004; (ii) as payment of 135% of the interest on all of the Debentures; (iii)
upon exercise of 135% of an aggregate of 3,390,514 warrants that we issued in
January, May and July 2004; and (iv) upon exercise of certain other warrants and
stock options. Registration of the shares permits the sale of the shares in the
open market or in privately negotiated transactions without compliance with the
requirements of Rule 144. To the extent the exercise price of the warrants is


                                       14


less than the market price of the common stock, the holders of the warrants are
likely to exercise them and sell the underlying shares of common stock and to
the extent that the conversion price and exercise price of these securities are
adjusted pursuant to anti-dilution protection, the securities could be
exercisable or convertible for even more shares of common stock. We also may
issue shares to be used to meet our capital requirements or use shares to
compensate employees, consultants and/or directors. We are unable to estimate
the amount, timing or nature of future sales of outstanding common stock. Sales
of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could cause the
market price for our common stock to decrease. Furthermore, a decline in the
price of our common stock would likely impede our ability to raise capital
through the issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity
securities.

PROVISIONS OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND DELAWARE LAW COULD DEFER A
CHANGE OF OUR MANAGEMENT WHICH COULD DISCOURAGE OR DELAY OFFERS TO ACQUIRE US.

      Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Delaware law may make
it more difficult for someone to acquire control of us or for our stockholders
to remove existing management, and might discourage a third party from offering
to acquire us, even if a change in control or in management would be beneficial
to our stockholders. For example, our Certificate of Incorporation allows us to
issue shares of preferred stock without any vote or further action by our
stockholders. Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the
relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also
has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval.
As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of
preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets
upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are
distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of
the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common
stock. In this regard, in November, 2002 we adopted a stockholder rights plan
and, under the Plan, our Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of
one Right for each outstanding share of Common Stock to stockholders of record
at the close of business on November 29, 2002. Each Right initially entitles
holders to buy one unit of preferred stock for $30.00. The Rights generally are
not transferable apart from the common stock and will not be exercisable unless
and until a person or group acquires or commences a tender or exchange offer to
acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock. However, for
Dr. Carter, our chief executive officer, who already beneficially owns 10.6% of
our common stock, the Plan's threshold will be 20%, instead of 15%. The Rights
will expire on November 19, 2012, and may be redeemed prior thereto at $.01 per
Right under certain circumstances.

      Because the risk factors referred to above could cause actual results or
outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by us, you should not place undue reliance on any such
forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only
as of the date on which it is made and we undertake no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after
the date on which such statement is made or reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not
possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the
impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or
combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statements. Our research in clinical efforts
may continue for the next several years and we may continue to incur losses due
to clinical costs incurred in the development of Ampligen(R) for commercial
application. Possible losses may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result
of differences in the timing of significant expenses incurred and receipt of
licensing fees and/or cost recovery treatment revenues in Europe, Canada and in
the United States.


                                       15


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

      We have registered all 11,493,641 shares of common stock covered by this
prospectus on behalf of the selling stockholders named in the table below. We
issued the shares, the Debentures convertible into shares, and the warrants
exercisable for shares to the selling stockholders in private transactions. We
have registered the shares to permit the selling stockholders and their
respective transferees, assignees or other successors-in-interest that receive
their shares from a selling stockholder to resell the shares, from time to time,
when they deem appropriate.

      The table below identifies the selling stockholders who will be offering
shares and other information regarding the beneficial ownership of the common
stock held by each of the selling stockholders. For the Debenture holders (the
first two stockholders listed below), the second column lists the number of
shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling stockholder as of
September 14, 2004, based on each selling stockholder's ownership of shares of
common stock, Debentures, warrants and additional investment rights, and assumes
the conversion of all the Debentures, the payment of all interest in stock and
the exercise of all warrants and additional investment rights. Because the
conversion price of the Debentures and the exercise price of the warrants are
subject to adjustment for anti-dilution protection, the interest on the
Debentures may be paid in cash or common stock, and the value attributed to any
shares issued to the investors as interest (the "Interest Shares") depends on
the average closing price of the common stock during the five consecutive
business days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the
applicable interest payment date, and the number of repayment shares depends on
the amount of our consolidated revenues, the numbers listed in the second column
may change. For the other selling stockholders, the second column lists the
number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholder
as of September 14, 2004, based on each selling stockholder's ownership of
shares of common stock, and, except as set forth in the relevant footnotes, does
not assume the conversion of any of the Debentures, the exercise of any warrants
or additional investment rights or the payment of any interest on the Debentures
in the form of common stock rather than cash.

      The third column lists each selling stockholder's portion, based on
agreements with us, of the 11,493,641 shares of common stock being offered by
this prospectus. With regard to the first two selling stockholders, the number
of shares being offered by this prospectus was determined in accordance with the
terms of the registration rights agreements with them, in which we agreed to
register the resale of an aggregate of 158,103 shares and 135% of (w) the number
of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the October 2003 and
January and July 2004 Debentures, plus (x) the number of shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of the May 2009 and July 2009 Warrants, plus (y) an
estimate of the number of Interest Shares that may be issued to the selling
stockholders as interest payments on the October 2003 and January and July 2004
Debentures and assuming interest is paid exclusively in Interest Shares over the
full term of these debentures, rather than in cash. As we stated above, the
number of shares that will actually be issued may be more or less than the
11,493,641 shares being offered by this prospectus.


                                       16


      Under the terms of the foregoing debentures and related warrants, no
selling stockholder who owns any of these securities may convert any of their
debentures or exercise any of the foregoing warrants to the extent that the
conversion or exercise would cause the selling stockholder, together with its
affiliates, to beneficially own more than 4.99% of the shares of our then
outstanding common stock following such conversion or exercise. For purposes of
making this determination, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of
those debentures which have not been converted and upon exercise of the warrants
which have not been exercised are excluded. The number of shares in the second
and third columns does not reflect this limitation.

      Any selling stockholder may sell all, some or none of its respective
shares in this offering. See "How The Shares May Be Distributed" below.



                                     Common Stock                       Common Stock
                                     Owned Prior      No. of  Shares     Owned After
Selling Stockholder                  To Offering      Being Offered     The Offering
-------------------                  ------------     --------------    ------------
                                                               
Portside Growth & Opportunity Fund   4,474,524(1)     4,376,989(1)             -
Leonardo L.P.                        4,163,158(2)     5,843,852                -
Cardinal Securities LLC                200,369(3)       200,369(3)             -
Windward Capital Advisors, LLC         362,036(4)       362,036 (4)            -
HefCap Holdings, LLC                   362,036(5)       362,036 (5)            -
Baxter Capital Advisors, Inc.           30,000(6)        30,000 (6)            -
Bridge Ventures, Inc.                  305,160(7)       305,160(7)             -
Sharon Will                            333,500(8)       233,500(8)             -
Saggi Capital                          100,000(8)       100,000(8)             -
CEOCast, Inc.                           45,000(9)        45,000(9)             -
Christopher Chipman                     15,000(10)       15,000(10)            -
Fried Epstein & Rettig LLP               5,000(11)        5,000                -
Peter W. Adolph                        237,591(12)        4,255          233,336
Business Asia Consultants, Inc.          6,927(13)        6,927                -
Marc E. Komorsky                       237,591(12)        4,255          233,336



      (1)   Common Stock owned prior to the offering and the number of shares
            being registered include (a) up to 1,321,690 shares of common stock
            issuable upon conversion of the January 2004 Debentures and July
            2004 Debentures, (b) up to 395,257 shares of common stock issuable
            upon exercise of the July 2009 Warrants, (c) up to 650,000 shares of
            common stock issuable upon exercise of the May 2009 Warrants (d) up
            to 650,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the June
            2004 Warrants, and (e) 207,577 shares of common stock. Common Stock
            owned prior to the offering also includes 961,538 shares and an
            additional 288,462 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants issued
            in the August 5, 2004 Private Placement, which shares have been


                                       17


            registered in another registration statements and are eligible for
            resale pursuant to a separate prospectus. Ramius Capital Group, LLC
            ("Ramius Capital") is the investment adviser of Portside Growth &
            Opportunity Fund ("Portside") and consequently has voting control
            and investment discretion over securities held by Portside. Ramius
            Capital disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by
            Portside. Peter A. Cohen, Morgan B. Stark, Thomas W. Strauss and
            Jeffrey M. Solomon are the sole managing members of C4S& Co., LLC,
            the sole managing member of Ramius Capital. As a result, Messrs.
            Cohen, Stark, Strauss and Solomon may be considered beneficial
            owners of any shares deemed to be beneficially owned by Ramius
            Capital. Messrs. Cohen, Stark, Strauss and Solomon disclaim
            beneficial ownership of these shares.

      (2)   Represents (a) up to 1,025,336 shares of common stock issuable upon
            conversion of the October 2003 Debentures, (b) up to 1,388,889
            shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the January 2004
            Debentures and July 2004 Debentures, (c) up to 650,000 shares of
            common stock issuable upon exercise of the May 2009 Warrants, (d) up
            to 395,257 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the July
            2009 Warrants, (e) up to 650,000 shares of common stock issuable
            upon the exercise of the June 2009 warrants, and (f) 53,676 shares
            of common stock. Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. ("Angelo, Gordon") is
            the sole director of the general partner of Leonardo, L.P.
            ("Leonardo") and consequently has voting control and investment
            discretion over securities held by Leonardo. Angelo, Gordon
            disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Leonardo. Mr.
            John M. Angelo, the Chief Executive Officer of Angelo, Gordon, and
            Mr. Michael L. Gordon, the Chief Operating Officer of Angelo,
            Gordon, are the sole general partners of AG Partners, L.P., the sole
            general partner of Angelo, Gordon. As a result, Messrs. Angelo and
            Gordon may be considered beneficial owners of any shares deemed to
            be beneficially owned by Angelo, Gordon. Messrs. Angelo and Gordon
            disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares.

      (3)   Represents up to 156,666 shares of common stock issuable upon
            exercise of warrants owned by Cardinal of which (i) 33,750 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.57 per share, (ii) 66,666 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share, (iii) 26,250 are
            exercisable at a price if $2.42 per share, (iv) 30,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $3.04 per share, and (v) 43,703 shares of
            common stock. The members of Cardinal, who share voting control and
            investment discretion, are H. David Coherd, Robert Rosenstein and
            Scott Koch.

      (4)   H. David Coherd is the sole member of Windward Capital Advisors,
            LLC. Mr. Coherd is one of the members of Cardinal Securities LLC.
            Accordingly, the shares beneficially owned by Cardinal are deemed to
            be beneficially owned by this selling stockholder. In addition,
            shares owned and offered include up to 161,667 shares of common
            stock issuable upon exercise of warrants of which (i) 33,750 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.57 per share, (ii) 66,667 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share, (iii) 6,250 are
            exercisable at a price if $2.42 per share, (iv) 30,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $3.04 per share, and (v) 25,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $4.07 per share.


                                       18


      (5)   Robert Rosenstein is the sole member of Hefcap Holdings, LLC. Mr.
            Rosenstein is one of the members of Cardinal Securities LLC.
            Accordingly, the shares beneficially owned by Cardinal are deemed to
            be beneficially owned by this selling stockholder. In addition,
            shares owned and offered include up to 161,667 shares of common
            stock issuable upon exercise of warrants of which (i) 33,750 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.57 per share, (ii) 66,667 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share, (iii) 6,250 are
            exercisable at a price if $2.42 per share, (iv) 30,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $3.04 per share, and (v) 25,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $4.07 per share.

      (6)   Peter Baxter is the president of Baxter Capital Advisors, Inc.
            Shares owned and offered include up to 30,000 shares of common stock
            issuable upon exercise of warrants of which (i) 11,250 are
            exercisable at a price of $2.57 per share, (ii) 8,750 are
            exercisable at a price if $2.42 per share, and (iii) 10,000 are
            exercisable at a price of $3.04 per share.

      (7)   In the second column, represents 220,000 shares issuable upon
            exercise of warrants exercisable at $1.75 per share expiring on June
            30, 2005; and 85,160 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants
            exercisable at $3.50 expiring on October 15, 2004. The principal
            shareholders, officers and directors of Bridge Ventures are Harris
            Freedman and Annelies Freedman.

      (8)   Sharon Will is the sole shareholder, officer and director of Saggi
            Capital Corp. For Sharon Will, represents 230,000 shares issuable
            upon exercise of warrants exercisable at $1.75 per shares expiring
            on June 30, 2005 and 3,500 shares of stock owned of record by Sharon
            Will, plus 100,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants
            exercisable at $3.50 per share expiring on October 15, 2004 owned by
            Saggi Capital Corp. The numbers for Saggi Capital Corp. do not
            include the shares issuable upon exercise of the Will warrants.

      (9)   Messrs. Ken Sgro and Rachel Glicksman share voting control and
            investment discretion over the shares. CEOCast provides investor
            relations consulting services to us.

      (10)  Represents a) 5,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants
            exercisable at $3.91 per shares expiring on February 28, 2009, b)
            5,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants exercisable at $4.25
            per shares expiring on January 31, 2009 and 5,000 shares issuable
            upon the exercise of warrants at $3.51 per share expiring March 31,
            2009. Mr. Chipman provides us with financial and accounting
            consulting services.

      (11)  Represents shares issued to Fried Epstein & Rettig LLP, a law firm,
            for legal services provided to us. The three named partners share
            voting control and investment discretion over the shares.

      (12)  For each stockholder, the second column includes an aggregate of
            233,336 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants in
            each of their names. These stockholders, together, provide financial
            consulting and investment banking services to us.


                                       19


      (13)  Business Asia Consultants, Inc. provides consulting services related
            to obtaining distribution channels in China. It is owned by Lawrence
            Kronick.

      THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS HAVE NOT BEEN EMPLOYED BY, HELD OFFICE IN, OR HAD
ANY OTHER MATERIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH US OR ANY OF OUR AFFILIATES WITHIN THE PAST
THREE YEARS EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED ABOVE IN THE FOOTNOTES ABOVE.

                        HOW THE SHARES MAY BE DISTRIBUTED

      The shares to be sold in this offering have been or are in the process of
being listed on the American Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of
issuance. The selling stockholders may sell their shares of common stock from
time to time in various ways and at various prices. The shares may be sold in
one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the
time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at
negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions that may involve
crosses or block transactions. Some of the methods by which the selling
stockholders may sell the shares include:

      o     on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which
            the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
      o     in the over-the-counter market;
      o     in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in
            the over-the-counter market;
      o     through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on
            an options exchange or otherwise;
      o     ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
            solicits purchasers;
      o     privately negotiated transactions;
      o     block trades in which the broker or dealer will attempt to sell the
            shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block
            as principal to facilitate the transaction;
      o     purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by that
            broker or dealer for the selling stockholder's account under this
            prospectus;
      o     sales under Rule 144 rather than by using this prospectus;
      o     through the settlement of short sales;
      o     a combination of any of these methods of sale; or
      o     any other legally permitted method.

      In connection with sales of the shares or otherwise, the selling
stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may
in turn engage in short sales of the shares in the course of hedging in
positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares short and
deliver shares to close out short positions, provided that the selling
stockholders may not close out short positions entered into prior to the
effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part
with any shares included in this prospectus. The selling stockholders may also


                                       20


pledge their shares as collateral for a margin loan under their customer
agreements with their brokers. If there is a default by the selling
stockholders, the brokers may offer and sell the pledged shares from time to
time under this prospectus or an amendment to this prospectus under Rule
424(b)(3) or other applicable provisions of the Securities Act amending the list
of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors
in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus.

      Brokers or dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling
stockholders (or, if the broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of the
shares, from that purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. These commissions may
exceed those customary in the types of transactions involved.

      We cannot estimate at the present time the amount of commissions or
discounts, if any, that will be paid by the selling stockholders in connection
with sales of the shares.

      The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that participate
with the selling stockholders in sales of the shares may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such
sales. In that event, any commissions received by the broker-dealers or agents
and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The selling
stockholders have advised us that they have not entered into any agreements,
understandings or arrangements with any underwriters or broker-dealers regarding
the sale of the shares. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in
connection with the proposed sale of shares by the selling stockholders. In
addition, each of the selling stockholders who is a registered broker-dealer or
is affiliated with a registered broker-dealer has advised us that:

      o     it purchased the shares in the ordinary course of business; and
      o     at the time of the purchase of the shares to be resold, it had no
            agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any
            person to distribute the shares.

      Under the securities laws of certain states, the shares may be sold in
those states only through registered or licensed broker-dealers. In addition,
the shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for
sale in the relevant state or unless they qualify for an exemption from
registration or qualification.

      We do not know whether any selling stockholder will sell any or all of the
shares registered by the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part.

      We have agreed to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration
of the shares, including certain fees and disbursements of counsel to certain of
the selling stockholders. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders
against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act.


                                       21


      Certain of the selling stockholders have also agreed to indemnify us, our
directors, officers, agents and representatives against certain liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

      The selling stockholders and other persons participating in the
distribution of the shares offered under this prospectus are subject to the
applicable requirements of Regulation M promulgated under the Exchange Act in
connection with sales of the shares.

      We have agreed with the selling stockholders to keep the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part effective until all the shares
registered under the registration statement have been resold.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

      We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common
stock offered by the selling stockholders. Proceeds from the exercising of the
Warrants, if any, will be used for funding our research and development efforts,
capital improvements, working capital and, possibly, acquisitions.

                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public
reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call
the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the public reference rooms. Many of our Securities and Exchange Commission
filings are also available to the public from the Securities and Exchange
Commission's Website at "http://www.sec.gov."

      We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration
statement (which contains this prospectus) as amended on Form S-3 under the
Securities Act of 1933. The registration statement relates to the securities
offered by the selling stockholders. This prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and
schedules to the registration statement. Please refer to the registration
statement and its exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to
us, the common stock and the Warrants. Statements contained in this prospectus
as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of that contract or
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. You may read and
obtain a copy of the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules from
the SEC, as described in the preceding paragraph.


                                       22


                      INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

      The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information
that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information
to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information
that we file with the Commission will automatically update and supercede this
information. We incorporate by reference the following documents and any future
filing made with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 14 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we and the selling stockholders sell all
the securities included in this prospectus:

(a)   Our amended annual report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December
      31, 2003, SEC File No. 1-13441.

(b)   Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
      2004, SEC File No. 1-13441.

(c)   Our proxy statement on schedule 14A for our 2004 annual meeting, SEC File
      No. 1-13441.

(d)   Our current report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2004, SEC File No.
      1-13441.

(e)   Our current report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2004, SEC File No.
      1-13441.

(f)   Our current report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2004, SEC File No.
      1-13441.

(g)   Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30,
      2004, SEC File No. 1-13441.

(h)   A description of our common stock contained in our registration statement
      on Form S-1, SEC File No. 33-93314, and any amendment or report filed for
      the purpose of updating this description filed subsequent to the date of
      this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering.

(i)   Our Form S-1 Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-117178, declared
      effective by the SEC on August 2, 2004.

(j)   Our current report on Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2004, SEC File No.
      1-13441

      You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address: Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc., 1617 JFK
Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, telephone number 215-988-0080.


                                       23


      You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone
else to provide you with different information. We and the selling stockholders
will not make offers to these shares in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
supplement is accurate as of any date other that the date on the front of those
documents.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

      The validity of the common stock offered in this prospectus has been
passed upon for us by Silverman Sclar Shin & Byrne PLLC, 381 Park Avenue South,
Suite 1601, New York, New York 10016.

                                     EXPERTS

      Our financial statements incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
which are included in our Annual Report of Form 10-K/A for the year ended
December 31, 2003 have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent registered
public accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report,
and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of said
firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

      The financial statements of Interferon Sciences, Inc. incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus which are included in our registration statement on
Form S-1 (SEC file no. 333-117178) have been audited by Eisner LLP, independent
registered public accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in
their report, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.


                                       24


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No dealer, salesman or any other person is authorized to give any information or
to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any
unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell
these securities and it is not a solicitation of an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. The
information contained in this Prospectus is current only as of this date.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                    Page

Prospectus Summary......................................................... 2
Risk Factors .............................................................. 4
Selling Stockholders ......................................................16
How the Shares May Be Distributed..........................................20
Use of Proceeds............................................................22
Where you can find More information .......................................22
Information Incorporated By Reference......................................23
Legal Matters .............................................................24
Experts ...................................................................24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              11,493,641 SHARES OF
                                  COMMON STOCK


                           HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.


                           ---------------------------

                                   PROSPECTUS

                          ----------------------------

                               September ___, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by the registrant
in connection with resales of the securities being registered, including the
preparation and filing of this post-effective amendment. All amounts are
estimates subject to future contingencies except the SEC registration statement
filing fee.

SEC Filing Fees ...........................................  $    1,419.00
American Stock Exchange Listing Fee .......................  $   22,500.00
Printing and Engraving Expenses ...........................  $   12,500.00
Accounting Fees and Expenses ..............................  $   24,000.00
Legal Fees and Expenses ...................................  $   24,000.00
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees .........................  $    1,500.00
Miscellaneous .............................................  $    3,081.00
                                                             -------------

 Total Expenses ...........................................  $   89,000.00

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

The Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that
the Registrant shall indemnify to the extent permitted by Delaware law any
person whom it may indemnify thereunder, including directors, officers,
employees and agents of the Registrant. Such indemnification (other than an
order by a court) shall be made by the Registrant only upon a determination that
indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the individual met the
applicable standard of conduct. Advances for such indemnification may be made
pending such determination. In addition, the Registrant's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation eliminates, to the extent permitted by Delaware
law, personal liability of directors to the Registrant and its stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as directors.

The Registrant's authority to indemnify its directors and officers is governed
by the provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as
follows:

(a)   A corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a
      party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
      completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
      administrative or investigative (other than action by or in the right of
      the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,
      officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
      request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
      another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
      enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines
      and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the
      person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in
      good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
      to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any
      criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
      conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by


                                      II-1


      judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere
      or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the
      person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably
      believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation,
      and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable
      cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.

(b)   A corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a
      party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
      completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure
      a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a
      director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was
      serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee
      or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
      other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
      reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or
      settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a
      manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
      interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be
      made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person
      shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only
      to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action
      or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
      adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the
      case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
      expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem
      proper.

(c)   To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a
      corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of
      any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of
      this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such
      person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
      actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

(d)   Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless
      ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in
      the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present
      or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the
      circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set
      forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall
      be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time
      of such determination (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not
      parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a
      quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority
      vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there
      are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent
      legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

(e)   Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in
      defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by
      the corporation in advance of the final disposition or such action, suit
      or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
      director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be
      determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the
      corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses incurred by
      former directors and officers and other employees and agents may be so
      paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems
      appropriate.


                                      II-2


(f)   The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
      pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed
      exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
      advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by, agreement, vote of
      stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in
      such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
      holding such office.

(g)   A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on
      behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent
      of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
      as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
      partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any
      liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any
      such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
      corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such
      liability under this section.

(h)   For purposes of this section, references to the "corporation" shall
      include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent
      corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a
      consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued,
      would have had the power and authority to indemnify its directors,
      officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a
      director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or
      is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a
      director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
      joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position
      under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation
      as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if
      its separate existence had continued.

(i)   For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall
      include employee benefit plans, references to "fines" shall include any
      excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit
      plan, and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall
      include any service as a director, officer, employee, or agent with
      respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries,
      and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person
      reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and
      beneficiaries of any employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted
      in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as
      referred to in this section.

(j)   The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
      pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized
      or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,
      officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
      executors and administrators of such a person.

(k)   The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear
      and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification
      brought under this section, or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
      stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of
      Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's obligation to advance
      expenses (including attorneys' fees).


                                      II-3


ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.

Exhibit No. Description

4.1   Specimen certificate representing our Common Stock (1)
4.2   Rights Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2002, between the Company and
      Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The Right Agreement includes
      the Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the
      Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, the Form of Rights
      Certificate and the Summary of the Right to Purchase Preferred Stock.(2)
4.3   Form of 6% Convertible Debenture of the Company issued in March 2003.(3)
4.4   Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in March 2003.(3)
4.5   Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in June 2003.(4)
4.6   Form of 6% Convertible Debenture of the Company issued in July 2003.(5)
4.7   Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in July 2003.(5)
4.8   Form of 6% Convertible Debenture of the Company issued in October 2003.(6)
4.9   Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in October 2003.(6)
4.10  Form of 6% Convertible Debenture of the Company issued in January 2004.(7)
4.11  Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in January 2004.(7)
4.12  Form of Additional Investment Rights to acquire debentures issued in
      January 2004(7)
4.12  Form of Warrant for Common Stock of the Company issued in May 2004.(8)
4.13  Securities Purchase Agreement, dated July 10, 2003, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(5)
4.14  Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 10, 2003, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(5)
4.15  Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 29, 2003, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(6)
4.16  Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 29, 2003, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(6)
4.17  Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 26, 2004, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(7)
4.18  Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 26, 2004, by and among the
      Company and the Buyers named therein.(7)
5.1   Opinion of Silverman Sclar Shin & Byrne PLLC, legal counsel.*
23.1  Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, independent registered public accountants.
23.2  Consent of Eisner LLP, independent registered public accountants.
23.2  Consent of Silverman Sclar Shin & Byrne PLLC, legal counsel (included in
      Exhibit 5.1).*
24.1  Powers of Attorney (included in Signature Pages to this Registration
      Statement on Form S-3).

---------------------
*    Previously filed

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-93314) declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange Commission on November 2, 1995.


                                      II-4


(2) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form 8-A (No. 0-27072) filed on November 20, 2002.

(3) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-13441) filed on March 13, 2003.

(4) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-13441) filed on June 27, 2003.

(5) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-13441) filed on July 14, 2003.

(6) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-13441) filed on October 30, 2003.

(7) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-13441) filed on January 27, 2004.

(8) Incorporated by reference from exhibits to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (No. 1-13441) filed on May 14, 2004.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

A.       The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
      Securities Act of 1933;

      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
      effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
      post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
      represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
      registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
      decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
      securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
      deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
      may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
      pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
      price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
      offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
      the effective registration statement;


                                      II-5


      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
      distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
      material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

B. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


                                      II-6


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this post-effective
amendment on Form S-3 to the registrant's Form S-1 registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City
of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 15th day of September,
2004.

HEMISPHERX BIOPHARMA, INC.
--------------------------
 (Registrant)

 By:     s/William A. Carter
         --------------------------
         William A. Carter, M.D.,
         Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration
statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on the dates indicated.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints William A. Carter acting alone, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for such person in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, in
connection with the Registrant's registration statement now on Form S-3 under
the Securities Act of 1933, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, to sign the registration statement in the name and on behalf of the
Registrant or on behalf of the undersigned as a director or officer of the
Registrant, and any and all amendments or supplements to the registration
statement, including any and all stickers and post-effective amendments to the
registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and any applicable securities exchange or securities self-regulatory
body, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes or substitute, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                      II-7





Signature                          Title                                           Date
---------                          -----                                           ----

                                                                             
s/William A. Carter
-------------------------------    Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
William A. Carter, M.D.            (Principal Executive) and Director              September 15, 2004


s/Richard C. Piani
-------------------------------
Richard C. Piani                   Director                                        September 15, 2004

s/Robert E. Peterson
-------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Robert E. Peterson                 Accounting Officer                              September 15, 2004


s/Ransom W. Etheridge
-------------------------------
Ransom W. Etheridge                Secretary, General Counsel And Director         September 14 , 2004

s/William M. Mitchell
-------------------------------
William M. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D.   Director                                        September 15, 2004


-------------------------------
Iraj-Eqhbal Kiani, M.D.            Director                                        September __, 2004

/s/Antoni Esteve
-------------------------------
Antoni Esteve, Ph.D.               Director                                        September 15, 2004





                                      II-8



Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc.
Form S-3
Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description

23.1     Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, independent registered public accountants.

23.2     Consent of Eisner LLP, independent registered public accountants.