A drug that helps repair DNA after radiation exposure
Official title: A Novel RAD51-BRCA2 Complex Stabilizing Drug: A Medical Countermeasure for Mitigating Accidental Radiation Exposure
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11417126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug candidate aims to help the body repair damaged DNA after accidental or wartime radiation exposure to reduce organ injury and death.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $583,862 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI187043-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with potential or confirmed exposure to ionizing radiation or those at high risk of accidental radiation exposure, in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without radiation exposure or with conditions not related to radiation-induced DNA damage may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a small molecule that strengthens the BRCA2-RAD51 complex, a key player in repairing dangerous DNA breaks after radiation. It uses lab studies and animal models to understand how the drug works and how to best dose it after exposure. If successful, this could lead to a medical countermeasure that can be given after exposure to improve survival and lessen tissue damage. The work focuses on improving the body’s natural DNA repair processes during and after radiation injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could become a post-exposure treatment that reduces deaths and organ damage from radiation incidents.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in cell cultures and animal studies show promise for this approach, but human data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aroumougame, Asaithamby — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Aroumougame, Asaithamby
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.