Second-generation probiotic to protect the gut after radiation injury
Official title: Mitigation of Ionizing Irradiation-Induced Intestinal Damage by Second-Generation Probiotic LR-IFN-β
Funded at Chromologic, LLC · NIH-11420563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A modified probiotic is being developed to deliver a protective protein directly in the gut to reduce damage and improve survival after radiation exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chromologic, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Monrovia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,006,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI157357-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals at risk of GI-ARS from radiation exposure or undergoing abdominal radiotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GI-ARS risk or incompatible with probiotic therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a engineered probiotic to deliver INF-β in the small intestine with the aim of preserving intestinal stem cells and crypts after ionizing radiation. The approach focuses on rapid, localized therapy that could be used in RAD-NUC incidents or during abdominal radiotherapy. The study will look at delivery, safety, and the potential to improve survival in models of GI-ARS. If successful, it could offer a practical, oral treatment that can be deployed in mass casualty settings where resources are limited.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce GI-ARS mortality and improve recovery after radiation exposure or abdominal radiotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows probiotics can influence gut healing, but this specific engineered probiotic delivering INF-β is novel and aims for substantial survival improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
Chromologic, LLC
Monrovia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogers, Claude J. — Chromologic, LLC
- Study coordinator: Rogers, Claude J.
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.