NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Developing a treatment for radiation exposure that works up to 48 hours later

Official title: ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF BBT-059 AS A RADIATION MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURE FOR DOSING UP TO 48H POST EXPOSURE"

Funded at Bolder Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-11077658 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment called BBT-059 that could help people who have been exposed to radiation and need medical help even after other treatments are no longer an option, and we're making sure it's safe before moving on to human trials.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBolder Biotechnology, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,428,550
NIH project number75N93023C00011-P00002-9999-1
Project IDNIH-11077658 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have been exposed to radiation and are at risk of developing acute radiation syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or who are outside the acute exposure window may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on BBT-059, a long-acting analog of interleukin-11, which has shown promise in treating hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (HARS) when administered up to 48 hours after radiation exposure. The study aims to conduct safety and toxicology assessments, produce a good manufacturing practice (GMP) lot of the drug, and prepare an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for FDA approval to initiate human trials. Patients may benefit from this treatment if they are exposed to radiation and require medical intervention after the typical window for existing therapies has passed.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a critical treatment option for patients suffering from radiation exposure, significantly improving their chances of recovery.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using IL-11 analogs is promising, this specific application for late intervention in radiation exposure is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.

Where this research is happening

  • Bolder Biotechnology, INC.
    Boulder, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cox, George — Bolder Biotechnology, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Cox, George

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • New drug combinations to improve survival after radiation exposure

    This study is looking at new combinations of drugs, including one called PEG IL-11, to see if they can help people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation and are experiencing acute radiation syndrome, especially when treatment starts 48 hours after exposure.

    NIH research Bolder Biotechnology, INC. · Boulder, United States · NIH-10846717

  • Finding new ways to improve survival from a dangerous bacterial infection.

    This study is looking for new ways to help your body fight off a dangerous germ called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, by boosting your immune system, especially in emergencies when current antibiotics might not work well.

    NIH research Bolder Biotechnology, INC. · Boulder, United States · NIH-10822404

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.