A new GI-focused treatment to reduce radiation damage after exposure
Official title: Development of a Novel Therapeutic for Mitigating Radiation-Induced Microbiome Dysbiosis and Acute Gastrointestinal Syndrome
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11572658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A potential GI-targeted therapy given after radiation exposure may help protect the gut and improve survival in people affected by radiation injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $89,415 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI172853-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of or exposed to high-dose radiation who could receive a GI-targeted radiomitigator as an emergency countermeasure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GI radiation injury or those outside the exposure scenario may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project seeks to develop and test a GI-targeted glycopolymer drug (MIIST305) to mitigate radiation-induced GI syndrome by reducing cell death, controlling inflammation, and supporting gut lining repair. The work involves using existing preclinical data and pilot studies to move toward a therapy that could be administered after radiation exposure. If successful, it could lead to a FDA-approved countermeasure to protect patients during mass casualty radiation events. The effort is led by Columbia University and Synedgen Inc., focusing on translating lab findings into a potential treatment for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce GI injury and improve survival after high-dose radiation exposure, potentially saving lives in mass casualty settings.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies showed survival benefit in mice after radiation exposure and reduced tissue damage with the drug candidate in related inflammatory models.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Broustas, Constantinos G. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Broustas, Constantinos G.
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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.