Contracts Awarded for GI Tract Radiation Syndrome Drugs

(EPA)

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded two contracts for further research and development of drugs to treat gastrointestinal (GI) tract injuries associated with acute radiation syndrome. BARDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The contracts are part of BARDA’s program to develop tools and drugs to prepare for a radiological or nuclear emergency such as a nuclear bomb or improvised nuclear device. When the GI tract is exposed to high levels of radiation it becomes inflamed, and the drugs being studied under these contracts may prevent or decrease that inflammation.

Apogee Biotechnology Corporation of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, will receive a two-year, $2 million contract to conduct preliminary studies of a drug known as ABC294640. The studies will evaluate the drug’s efficacy in reducing gastrointestinal injury caused by radiation exposure. ABC294640 works by inhibiting an enzyme called sphingosine kinase. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken orally.

Avaxia Biologics of Wayland, Massachusetts, will receive a two-year, $2.9 million contract for preliminary studies of Avaxia’s AVX-470. The drug inhibits the effects of a protein called tumor necrosis factor which increases inflammation. AVX-470 was initially developed to treat inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The studies under both contracts aim to show if the drugs are effective when administered 24 or more hours after radiation exposure. The research is needed before proceeding to human clinical trials and efficacy studies.

Read more: Contract Awarded for Acute Radiation Therapy

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