Using opaganib to prevent gastrointestinal damage from radiation exposure
Official title: Opaganib as a Medical Countermeasure for Gastrointestinal Acute Radiation Syndrome
Funded at Apogee Biotechnology Corporation · NIH-10890883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new drug called opaganib to see if it can help protect people from stomach and gut problems caused by radiation exposure, especially in emergencies like accidents or attacks, so that those affected can recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Apogee Biotechnology Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hummelstown, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $882,744 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI179348-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to ionizing radiation, particularly in the context of accidents or terrorist events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or who have other unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of opaganib, a novel drug, as a medical countermeasure to protect against gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. The study focuses on how opaganib can mitigate tissue damage and inflammation that occurs after radiation exposure, which is particularly relevant in scenarios of accidental or terrorist-related radiation events. The approach involves targeting specific molecular pathways that regulate cell survival and inflammatory responses, with the aim of developing an effective treatment for those affected by radiation. Patients who have been exposed to radiation may benefit from this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option to prevent severe gastrointestinal damage in patients exposed to radiation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting inflammatory pathways in radiation exposure, but the specific use of opaganib is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Apogee Biotechnology Corporation
Hummelstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Charles D — Apogee Biotechnology Corporation
- Study coordinator: Smith, Charles D
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.