• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
SRI logo
  • About
    • Press room
    • Our history
  • Expertise
    • Advanced imaging systems
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Biomedical R&D services
    • Biomedical sciences
    • Computer vision
    • Cyber & formal methods
    • Education and learning
    • Innovation strategy and policy
    • National security
    • Ocean & space
    • Quantum
    • QED-C
    • Robotics, sensors & devices
    • Speech & natural language
    • Video test & measurement
  • Ventures
  • NSIC
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • 日本支社
Search
Close
Case study November 29, 2021

Formulating a solution to mass radiation exposure

In the event of a radiation leak or nuclear accident, oral medication options are needed for quick-turnaround, effective, large-scale treatment


INNOVATIVE SCIENCE OVERCOMES FORMULATION CHALLENGES

The chemical compound zinc diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Zn-DTPA) is a known antidote to radionuclide exposure. However, to be effectively deployed in mass-exposure emergency situations, Zn-DTPA needed to be adapted from an intravenous formulation – which is highly impractical in mass-casualty situations – to an orally bioavailable formulation. Previous attempts to reformulate the drug have failed, due primarily to poor biologic absorption and the requirement for a room-temperature stable product.

DTPA THAT HAS PROVEN EFFICACY

Backed by funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), SRI International researchers set out to develop an effective oral formulation of Zn-DTPA. Utilizing the organization’s proprietary “IVtoPO” platform technology, which comprises novel, advanced screening tools, SRI researchers identified potent permeation enhancers that could improve Zn-DTPA oral bioavailability.  Additionally, they designed a plan to quickly evaluate the safety and efficacy of various formulations. This work resulted in an oral Zn-DTPA tablet with proven efficacy in vivo.


The combination of advanced formulation tools and staff with extensive expertise developing formulations for numerous administration routes enabled SRI International to solve the two primary challenges associated with Zn-DTPA reformulation.

The organization’s novel “IVtoPO” Platform Technology, which includes a robotically controlled, automatic screening system to complete both high-throughput solubility screening and intra-intestinal permeation through live tissue, efficiently screened hundreds of permeation enhancer combinations. This resulted in the identification of a proprietary formulation of Zn-DTPA that sufficiently enhances oral bioavailability of the drug – allowing for effective oral administration instead of intravenous administration.

SRI is now working toward submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration following completion of trials in healthy, human subjects.

Partner with us

SRI Biosciences partners with clients to seamlessly integrate basic research, drug discovery, and nonclinical and clinical development. Our turnkey and customized services include models for research and drug discovery; identifying targets and mechanisms of action; efficacy; pharmacology and pharmacokinetics; safety; and clinical research studies.

For additional information, please contact SRI Biosciences at biosciences@sri.com


This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN272201000029C.

The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators at HHS-sponsored conferences, do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Share this

How can we help?

Once you hit send…

We’ll match your inquiry to the person who can best help you.

Expect a response within 48 hours.

Career call to action image

Make your own mark.

Search jobs

Our work

Case studies

Publications

Timeline of innovation

Areas of expertise

Institute

Leadership

Press room

Media inquiries

Compliance

Careers

Job listings

Contact

SRI Ventures

Our locations

Headquarters

333 Ravenswood Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA

+1 (650) 859-2000

Subscribe to our newsletter


日本支社
SRI International
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
  • DMCA
  • Copyright © 2022 SRI International