Developing the first drug for multi-organ radiation protection
A pharmaceutical breakthrough at the University of Adelaide is showing promise in both multi-organ radiation protection and cancer treatment.
Radiation plays a crucial role in a number of fields; it’s vital for shrinking cells in current cancer treatments, propelling nuclear-powered military submarines and electricity grids, and more. However, radiation carries risks. Overexposure can lead to radiation poisoning, triggering severe symptoms and conditions such as causing cancers, cognitive impairments, and fatal multi-organ (lung, intestines, heart) failure. In Australia, workers including uranium miners, our military personnel, emergency service professionals, and astronauts are all vulnerable to radiation poisoning. To mitigate its adverse effects, University of Adelaide researchers have made great strides towards a world first: a multi-organ anti-radiation drug.