Newly Approved Drug, Neupogen, Treats Acute Radiation Injury

There may now be a drug than can treat the harmful effects of radiation exposure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the drug, Neupogen, which can treat acute radiation injury.

"Our research shows that this drug works to increase survival by protecting blood cells," said Thomas MacVittie, one of the researchers in a news release. "This is a significant advancement, because the drug can now be used as a safe and effective treatment for the blood cell effects of severe radiation poisoning."

Radiation damages the bone marrow. This decreases the production of infection-fighting red blood cells. With that said, Neupogen counteracts its effects. Already, doctors were using it "off label" for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and other indications. This new approval, though, may speed up access to the use of the drug in the event of a nuclear incident. Already, the Department of Health and Human Services bought $157 million worth of Neupogen for stockpiles around the country.

"In terms of both research and treatment, our department is leading the way in developing the most effective discovery-based clinical applications to help protect and heal patients," said William Regine, one of the researchers.

The findings could be huge when it comes to helping those that have survived a nuclear incident and are dealing with fallout. Neupogen is just one of several "dual-use" drugs that are being examined for their potential use as countermeasures in nuclear incidents. In this case, it seems that Neupogen does the trick.

Currently, the developers are Neuopogen are continuing their research on identifying potential biomarkers predicting individual patient risk for injury. They're also developing new therapeutic interventions and strategies to prevent and treat radiation injury.

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