Boulder, Colorado - Jun 12, 2015 - Bolder BioTechnology, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded the third year of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of The National Institutes of Health (NIH).
George (Joe) Cox, Ph.D., Company President said, “We are grateful to receive continued support from NIAID to study the safety and effectiveness of BBT-015, a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) analog, for preventing death from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). ARS is caused by exposure to high radiation doses such as might occur after a nuclear power plant accident or following a nuclear attack. High dose radiation exposure causes death of hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for making white blood cells and platelets - cells that are critical for preventing infections and controlling bleeding. ARS patients often die from infections and uncontrolled bleeding due to insufficient numbers of white blood cells and platelets. BBT-015 administration significantly improves survival in a validated mouse ARS model. Improved survival correlates with higher numbers of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells in BBT-015-treated animals compared to placebo-treated mice. Results obtained during the past year in collaboration with Dr. Christie Orschell of Indiana University School of Medicine confirmed the ability of BBT-015 to prevent death of lethally irradiated mice using different radiation doses, different aged animals, and when administered at different time post-irradiation. Of note, we found that a single administration of BBT-015 was sufficient to improve survival to the same extent as 16 consecutive daily administrations of a non-long-acting G-CSF protein, which is the current gold-standard ARS treatment. The reduced dosing frequency required for BBT-015 will increase convenience for patients and healthcare personnel and should prove particularly beneficial in a mass casualty nuclear emergency setting, where it may not be impossible to treat ARS patients on a daily basis. During the past year we also completed a pilot study showing that BBT-015 is able to improve survival in a second validated animal ARS model. The new grant funds will be used to complete preclinical animal safety studies required before beginning safety testing of BBT-015 in humans.”
Bolder BioTechnology, Inc. uses advanced protein engineering technologies to create proprietary human protein pharmaceuticals with enhanced therapeutic properties for the treatment of hematopoietic and endocrine disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. Research described herein has been supported by grant AI084288 from NIH.
Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the Company’s ability to successfully complete product research and development, including pre-clinical and clinical studies, and commercialization; (2) the Company’s ability to obtain required government approvals; (3) the Company’s ability to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, sales, distribution and marketing partners; and (4) the Company’s ability to develop and commercialize its products before its competitors.
Contact information:
Joe Cox, Ph.D., President (303)-420-4420 x-202 www.bolderbio.com
