MEDICAL RADIOLOGICAL DEFENSE (SDD)

Abstract

This project funds the advanced development of candidate therapeutic medical countermeasures to mitigate the consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation due to nuclear or radiological attacks. Exposure to ionizing radiation causes damage to blood-forming cells (hematopoietic system) and gastrointestinal system, leading to Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). Medical countermeasures must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use prior to fielding. Testing the efficacy of candidate drugs against normally lethal radiation exposure cannot be conducted in humans; therefore, surrogate animal models must be used to obtain FDA approval. Medical Radiation Countermeasures (MRADC) efforts include multiple countermeasures required to restore casualties to pre-exposure health and to protect U.S. Forces against injury caused by exposure to radiation. MRADC shall reverse or limit radiation injury resulting in increase survival, decreased incapacity, and sustained operational effectiveness. In addition, MRADC shall be effective against a broad range of radiation sources and types, and shall be useable in the battle space, including evacuation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
MR5_0604384BP_5_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Physics

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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