BARDA and Chrysalis Biotherapeutics, Inc. have exercised options under their current contract to expand their partnership and continue the development of TP508 (Chrysalin) as a countermeasure to address injuries resulting from a nuclear event. Chrysalis will conduct safety studies and additional activities required to request emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approval under the FDA Animal Rule TP508 is a potential first-in-class countermeasure to prevent injury and death from ionizing radiation exposure. The therapeutic candidate may mitigate vascular damage, inhibit hemorrhage, reduce inflammation, and reverse acute tissue damage induced by radiation.

TP508 is a peptide (one or more amino acids that make up proteins in the human body) derived from the larger thrombin protein that is normally released at the point of injury to stimulate vascular and stem cell repair and to regenerate damaged tissue. Radiation exposure can have acute and delayed effects including damage to blood vessel that make up the body’s circulatory system, leading to inflammation, coagulopathies (excessive bleeding or clotting), sepsis, and multi-organ failure. This novel peptide drug restores vascular function by activating stem cells and stimulating endothelial cells (the thin layer of cells that line the inside of the heart and blood vessels). By enhancing nitric oxide signaling, the drug may also help reduce inflammation, accelerate DNA repair, and prevent coagulopathies.

Together, these effects of TP508 could reduce injury, illness, death, and delayed consequences from acute radiation exposure.

Released by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Click here for source.