Novel therapeutic to protect the gut after radiation
Official title: Development of a Novel Therapeutic for Mitigating Radiation-Induced Microbiome Dysbiosis and Acute Gastrointestinal Syndrome
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11572662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new GI-directed treatment given after radiation exposure may reduce gut damage and improve survival in people exposed to high-dose radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $48,754 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI172853-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk of radiation-induced GI injury or those enrolled in translational studies for GI radioprotection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without radiation exposure-related GI injury or those not eligible for post-exposure treatment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a glycopolymer drug called MIIST305 that targets the GI tract to lessen radiation-induced damage. Using animal models, researchers will test whether giving MIIST305 after radiation can reduce cell death, calm harmful inflammation, and support tissue healing. The goal is to develop a countermeasure for GI syndrome after radiological events so that patients have a better chance of recovery. The study is conducted by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers in collaboration with Synedgen Inc. to move promising findings toward potential human use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could become an FDA-approved option to treat radiation-induced GI injury and improve survival after mass casualty radiological events.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work has shown reduced cell death and better tissue repair in models of gut inflammation and radiation injury, with some survival benefits in mice.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Broustas, Constantinos G. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Broustas, Constantinos G.
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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.