Derma Sciences, an advanced wound care medical device company, has received $4.5m, 16-month grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to investigate preclinically the use of DSC127 in the treatment of skin injuries associated with acute radiation exposure.
DSC127 is a novel angiotensin analog, which has been shown to improve epithelialisation, granulation, vascularisation, and accelerate wound healing in a variety of normal and diabetic animal models.
The contract is a part of the HHS radiological and nuclear threats preparedness strategy, and could be extended for a total of five years and up to a total of $14m.
Derma Sciences had recently reported positive results from Phase II study evaluating DSC127 in diabetic foot ulcer healing.
The results showed that 54% of wounds healed completely in 12 weeks, compared to only 33% of wounds in patients receiving placebo and best standard of care in the intent to treat populations.