UAMS Signs Major Contract for Radiation Research
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UAMS’ Martin Hauer-Jensen will lead the advanced development of a treatment following radiological or nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks.
Oct. 4, 2011 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has signed a contract with the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to proceed with advanced development of a promising treatment for use in radiological or nuclear emergency situations.
The initial award by BARDA, which is overseen by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is for $4.5 million over two years.
The contract’s value will rise to nearly $13 million assuming that two 12-month option periods are exercised.
Under the contract, UAMS’ Martin Hauer-Jensen, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally renowned radiation researcher, will lead the evaluation of the drug, SOM230, or pasireotide, to treat gastrointestinal injuries after radiological or nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks.
The intestine and bone marrow are most susceptible to radiation because of their rapidly proliferating cells. Treatments exist for irradiated bone marrow but not for the intestine.
Radiation damage to the intestine often determines whether a person lives or dies after exposure, Hauer-Jensen said.
The potentially life-saving SOM230 inhibits the secretions from the pancreas, giving the intestine a chance to heal after radiation exposure. Assuming the drug receives FDA approval, it would be a national security breakthrough as one of a very small number of drugs that protects people after they’ve already been exposed to radiation.
Hauer-Jensen said that it is his hope that the drug will someday be available to address public health emergencies and to benefit cancer patients receiving certain radiation therapies.
“I am very excited about this award, and I am optimistic that in a few years we will have a safe, effective treatment with the potential to saves lives,” said Hauer-Jensen, associate dean for research and director of the Division of Radiation Health in the College of Pharmacy.
The research contract is the largest in the UAMS College of Pharmacy’s 60-year history, said Stephanie Gardner, Ed.D., Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy.
“This award is a great achievement for Dr. Hauer-Jansen and his team,” Gardner said. “It is also a great achievement for our college and highlights the fact that we not only have a wonderful academic program, but that we are also excelling in the research arena.”
Novartis developed the drug to treat hormone disorders known as Cushing’s disease and acromegaly. Under the new contract, Hauer-Jensen and his team will generate data Novartis needs to submit a new drug application for possible Food and Drug Administration approval to use SOM230 for radiological emergencies.
The UAMS contract was one of five separate contracts announced on Sept. 29, 2011, by BARDA to support the development of five potential drugs for treating acute radiation syndrome.
UAMS is the state’s only comprehensive academic health center, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Related Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a statewide network of regional centers; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Psychiatric Research Institute, the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging and the Translational Research Institute. Named best Little Rock metropolitan area hospital by U.S. News & World Report, it is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has more than 2,800 students and 775 medical residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including nearly 1,150 physicians who provide medical care to patients at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and UAMS’ Area Health Education Centers throughout the state. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com.