ACE2-agonist to reduce long-term radiation damage after ARS
Official title: Mitigation of multi-organ delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE) with ACE2 agonist diminazene aceturate.
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11391157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test an ACE2-activating drug (diminazene aceturate) to lessen long-term organ damage after acute radiation exposure in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $536,993 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI186939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults exposed to radiation who may later experience DEARE, particularly those at risk for ARDS, pneumonitis, or nephropathy.
✕Less likely to help
The intervention is not applicable to people without radiation exposure or those without risk of DEARE.
What this research studies
If someone suffers a severe radiation illness, surviving the initial phase can still leave them at risk for lasting organ problems. This project will screen three candidate drugs that activate a protective ACE2-related pathway to prevent lung and kidney damage after radiation exposure. Researchers will use animal models and related lab studies to see if the treatment improves survival and reduces later organ injury, with a focus on translating findings toward human use. The goal is to identify a promising MCM that could be available if a radiological event occurs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce life-threatening delayed organ damage after radiation exposure and improve long-term outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests ACE2 pathway activation can mitigate radiation-induced injuries in preclinical models, supporting further study.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Himburg, Heather a — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Himburg, Heather a
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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.