Chrysalis BioTherapeutics' TP508 Reverses Radiation-Induced GI Damage

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GALVESTON, Texas, Aug. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysalis BioTherapeutics, Inc. today announced publication of data demonstrating that TP508, the company's lead drug candidate, activates stem cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) system to prevent breakdown of the intestinal mucosa and decrease ionizing radiation-induced mortality.  The studies, published online at Nature Journals (Laboratory Investigation,  http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/labinvest.2015.103), showed that a single injection of TP508 stimulated proliferation of intestinal stem cells and reversed effects of nuclear radiation exposure.

According to Dr. Carla Kantara, lead scientist on the project conducted at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), "high-doses of total body radiation trigger an acute GI toxicity syndrome that often ends in death regardless of intervention with therapeutics or bone marrow transplants." Kantara explained, "TP508 reverses damaging effects of radiation by increasing stem cell proliferation and the 'stemness potential' of intestinal crypts. These results suggest that this drug could be an effective nuclear countermeasure to delay mortality and increase the number of survivors following a nuclear incident."

"Although we hope there never is a nuclear disaster, these results indicate the potential efficacy of TP508 to help people survive if one does occur," said Chrysalis CEO Dr. Darrell Carney. The regenerative properties of TP508 are not limited to keeping people alive in case of a nuclear incident.  Carney continued, "In other studies, we have shown that TP508 activates stem cells in brain and other tissues to mitigate radiation therapy induced damage. Thus, we believe that TP508 also has potential to increase the quality of life for the millions of cancer patients that undergo radiation therapy each year."

The studies reported today were conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch and were funded as part of a $2.97 million grant awarded to Chrysalis by the National Institutes of Health to develop TP508 as a nuclear countermeasure.  TP508 is a regenerative peptide drug for investigational use only. Chrysalis BioTherapeutics Inc., a Galveston-based, privately held pharmaceutical development company, has licensed exclusive worldwide rights to TP508 from the University of Texas System.

Research reported in this Press Release is fully supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under Award Number R44AI086135. Chrysalis is responsible for statements in this release. The content does not necessarily represent official views of the National Institutes of Health or of The University of Texas Medical Branch.

Please visit www.chrysbio.com or contact Darrell Carney at [email protected] for additional information about Chrysalis BioTherapeutics Inc.

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SOURCE Chrysalis BioTherapeutics, Inc.

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