Drug to protect the gut after dangerous radiation exposure
Thrombopoietin mimetic (TPOm) as a medical countermeasure for GI-ARS
A new synthetic protein designed to help repair the gut and blood-forming cells in people exposed to serious radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a small, lab-made 29-amino-acid peptide that mimics the natural thrombopoietin signal to stimulate blood and tissue repair after radiation. In animal tests the peptide (called TPOm) was given after partial-body irradiation and improved 30-day survival, reduced gut barrier damage, and helped intestinal lining and blood precursor cells regenerate. The team is characterizing how TPOm acts on bone marrow, blood vessel lining cells, and supportive stromal cells to promote healing. The goal is to advance the drug to a Phase 2-ready stage in partnership with an industry collaborator.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced or are at high risk of significant whole- or partial-body radiation exposure (for example after an industrial accident or radiological incident) would be the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People without significant radiation exposure or those with unrelated chronic gastrointestinal conditions are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a treatment that protects the gut and blood-forming tissues after major radiation exposure, improving survival and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Existing thrombopoietin-based drugs have helped blood recovery in other settings, but applying a TPO-mimicking peptide specifically to protect the gut after radiation is a novel approach with promising animal data.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guha, Chandan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guha, Chandan
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.