Using a synthetic peptide to help recover from radiation exposure effects on the gut
Official title: Thrombopoietin mimetic (TPOm) as a medical countermeasure for GI-ARS
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11017476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called TPOm that could help people recover from gut damage caused by radiation exposure, like in nuclear accidents, by boosting blood cell production and healing, and it's currently being tested in animals to see how well it works.
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 start | December 6, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,823 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI187051-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who have been exposed to radiation, such as those involved in nuclear accidents or emergencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or do not have gastrointestinal complications related to radiation exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic peptide called TPOm that mimics the action of thrombopoietin, a protein that helps in the production of blood cells. The study aims to address the lack of effective treatments for gastrointestinal damage caused by acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which can occur due to nuclear accidents or terrorism. By administering TPOm after radiation exposure, the research investigates its potential to improve survival rates and promote healing in the gut and other affected organs. The approach involves preclinical testing in animal models to evaluate the peptide's effectiveness in regenerating blood cells and repairing intestinal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from gastrointestinal damage due to radiation exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While there are existing treatments for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome, this approach targeting gastrointestinal recovery is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
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.