Developing a treatment to reduce gastrointestinal damage from radiation exposure
Official title: Development of YK-4-250, a radiation mitigator of GI-ARS
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11017255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment called YK-4-250 that might help protect your stomach and intestines from damage caused by radiation, which can happen in certain situations, and they want to see if it can help people recover better after exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,787 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI187033-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who are at risk of radiation exposure, such as those in military or emergency response roles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions unrelated to radiation exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding a way to protect the gastrointestinal system from damage caused by ionizing radiation, which can lead to Acute Radiation Syndrome (GI-ARS). The team is investigating a new compound called YK-4-250 that targets specific receptors in the body to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. By administering this compound after radiation exposure, they aim to improve recovery and survival rates. The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in preclinical models before considering human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option to significantly improve survival and recovery for individuals exposed to harmful radiation.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using targeted compounds to mitigate radiation effects is being explored, this specific treatment is novel and has not been widely tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Milton L. — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Brown, Milton L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immunomodulatory therapy to speed up healing after oral cavity injuries in kids
A new approach using a drug called FTY720 aims to improve healing and reduce pain after oral injuries or palate surgery in children.
-
Deciphering how Listeria breaches the brain’s barrier to cause neurolisteriosis
Scientists are studying how the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes crosses the brain barrier to cause severe brain infections, with potential to guide new treatments.
-
Microenvironmental Rescue of Age-Related Cellular Dysfunction in a 3D Bioprinted Mammary Model System
A research project aims to test new ways to restore aging mammary tissue function using a 3D bioprinted model and cell interactions that may reduce disease-related decline.
-
Core biomarker lab for breast cancer BRCA2 and aggressive prostate cancer
A patient-facing biomarker program at a university lab aims to find and validate tests that help identify aggressive prostate cancers and BRCA2-related risks earlier.
-
Biomarker Lab for better prostate cancer risk and progression tests
Researchers are building and validating protein and gene-based tests from urine and tissue to better identify aggressive prostate cancer early so men can get the right treatment.
-
Biomarkers to identify aggressive prostate cancer early
A patient-friendly program to find and validate biomarkers in urine and tumor tissue that can flag aggressive prostate cancer early so men can get the right treatment sooner.
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.