Better treatments for internal radioactive contamination
Project-004
This project develops improved medicines and delivery methods to help people who have radioactive materials inside their bodies after an accident or attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308297 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping how radioactive particles move and lodge in the body from large to nano scales to make better exposure and dose models. They will use laboratory and animal studies to link those distributions to biological harm and to test drugs that remove or block internalized radionuclides. The team is also designing easier-to-use delivery systems for chelators so treatments could be given to many people in a mass-casualty situation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently inhaled, swallowed, or otherwise internalized radioactive materials during a radiological accident or attack would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: People exposed only to external radiation without internal contamination or those whose exposure was remote and already medically managed may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce easier-to-administer drugs that speed removal of radioactive contaminants and reduce long-term health risks after exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Some existing drugs (for example, Prussian blue and DTPA) can remove certain radionuclides, but current options cover limited isotopes and are not ideal for large-scale emergencies.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woloschak, Gayle E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Woloschak, Gayle E.
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 below.