Developmental Drug Helps Protect Against Radiation Damage

A drug currently under development has been shown to protect cells from the damaging effects of radiation exposure, a new study suggests.

The findings of the study were presented at the 100th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), April 18-22, 2009, in Denver, CO, USA. The study, led by Joel Greenberger, M.D., professor and chairman of the department of radiation Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pitt; PA, USA), is overseen by Pitt's Center for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation. The center is dedicated to identifying and developing small molecule radiation protectors and mitigators that can be easily accessed and administered in the event of a large-scale radiological or nuclear emergency.

JP4-039, the new developmental drug assists mitochondria, the energy generator of all cells, in combating irradiation-induced cell death. For this study, cells treated immediately after irradiation with JP4-039 demonstrated significant radioprotection, suggesting a potential role for the drug as a mitigator of radiation damage.

"Currently, no drugs on the market counteract the effects of radiation exposure,” said Dr. Greenberger. "We know this drug can counteract the damage caused by irradiation, and now we want to develop the ideal dosage, one that is effective for the general population while remaining nontoxic. Our goal is to take this drug through a phase I clinical trial, and once the dosage is established, develop the drug for late-stage clinical trials and market licensing.”

This study was funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Washington, DC, USA). In 2008, BARDA awarded Dr. Greenberger and members of his lab US$2.7 million to help develop a radiation mitigator drug that could counteract the effects of radiation exposure in case of large-scale public exposure. The ultimate goal of the contract is to develop an easily administered drug that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services can store and fly to hospitals and care facilities if and when an emergency occurs.

Related Links:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention