LGM2605 as a Mitigator of Space Radiation-Induced Vascular Damage

LignaMed, LLC is developing LGM2605, an oral small molecule for use as a radiation mitigating agent. Here we aim to evaluate LGM2605 as a mitigator of space-radiation induced damage. NASA missions to Mars will expose astronauts to solar/galactic cosmic mixed radiation including low dose g and proton radiation, a source of harmful short and long-term health effects. Damage to the vascular network under mixed radiation types is not understood. Findings from our NASA-funded Phase I studies provided novel evidence that LGM2605 is an effective mitigator of radiation toxicity in cells exposed to mixed-field space-relevant radiation (high LET protons and gamma rays). In this application, LignaMed in collaboration with the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania will extend these initial studies to evaluate LGM2605 in an in vivo model for protection from radiation-induced i) carcinogenesis in lung, liver and all major organs (Task 1) and accelerated lethality as a secondary endpoint and ii) tissue degeneration (Task 2) by evaluating long term lung deterioration and long-term damage mixed gender adult mice. We hypothesize that mixed space radiation increases cancer risk and induces chronic, pro-inflammatory changes in tissues leading to accelerated degeneration of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system. We propose that LGM2605 will mitigate space radiation-induced carcinogenesis and tissue degeneration.