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Dosage formulations for anti-radiation drug being developed

The Department of Defense is funding the development of dosage guidelines for an anti-radiation drug.

By Richard Tomkins
With the increasing geopolitical pressure on the use of radiological or nuclear weapons, the Department of Defense has started clinical trials for the safety and efficacy of anti-radiation drug BIO 300. Photo courtesy of Humanetics
With the increasing geopolitical pressure on the use of radiological or nuclear weapons, the Department of Defense has started clinical trials for the safety and efficacy of anti-radiation drug BIO 300. Photo courtesy of Humanetics

Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Humanetics Corporation is to develop solid-dosage formulations of BIO 300, a drug to mitigate the toxicities of exposure to radiation.

The drug, administered orally, is in clinical development by the Minnesota-based firm and is aimed for deployment to military personnel and first responders.

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Humanetics' work on dosage is the result of a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program.

"In light of increasing geopolitical pressures regarding the potential use of radiological or nuclear weaponry, the protection of our armed forces from radiation exposure and enabling them to operate in areas of possible concern is a strategic imperative," said Dr. Michael Kaytor, vice president of Research and Development at Humanetics, said in a news release.

BIO 300's protective properties were originally discovered by researchers within the Department of Defense. This technology was licensed to Humanetics Corporation, which is leading BIO 300's advanced development.

In parallel to BIO 300's development for use by the military, Humanetics is evaluating the drug in a Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial to determine its potential to reduce normal tissue toxicities associated with cancer radiotherapy.

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"We are very excited that the DoD continues to support BIO 300 as a drug that can be used to protect military personnel and civilians at risk of radiation exposure," said Ronald J. Zenk, chief executive officer of Humanetics. "We are constantly working toward making this therapy available in ways that support the many disparate populations at risk of radiation exposure."

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