Drug development program at BARC

We have developed several potential prophylactic and therapeutic radioprotective formulations and immune-modulators for prevention of acute radiation syndromes by stimulating hematopoietic stem cells and perturbation of intracellular redox. A plant-based formulation, BARC radio-modifier (BRM) developed at Bio-science Group, showed encouraging pre-clinical efficacy, as it stimulated hematopoiesis, increased stem cell abundance and prevented cell death in leukocytes and progenitor cells. This formulation offered protection against radiation induced toxicity to bone-marrow, gastro-intestinal tract and lungs and significantly reduced radiation induced morbidity and mortality in mice. The tablets of different strengths of chlorophyllin-based formulation have been prepared for phase I clinical trial using this phyto-pharmaceutical drug in collaboration with ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. This formulation will be useful for improving the outcome of cancer radiotherapy. Application for USA patent has been submitted. Further, we have discovered a plant lectin, BARC radio-protector (BRP), for therapeutic mitigation of radiation injury. This radioprotector exhibited a dose reduction factor (DRF) higher than amifostine indicating it's efficacy for prevention and mitigation of radiation induced normal tissue toxicity