Guest: Dr. Curt Bilby. Topics: Update on developing RLIP 76 as a radiation countermeasure drug as we as for possible use in space. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed back Dr. Curt Bilby, CEO of Terapio ( http://terapio.com), to update us on progress with the radiation countermeasure drug RLIP 76, including its potential use to combat and reduce space radiation risks. We had a one hour update with Dr. Bilby which started with the basics of RLIP 76 which is a naturally occurring protein in the human body. Dr. Bilby went through the basics with us, told us that since he was last on the show, they have stabilized the shelf life of the product by being able to store it as a white powder and then when needed mix it with saline. He described the pathway in the body by which RLIP 76 works which is really a supplement to what the body already produces. We talked about their experimentation and testing under what is known as the FDA Animal Rule which he explained in detail to us. He also talked about toxicology studies as well as the type of radiation used in testing the product by the independent testing labs at the University of Indiana and Maryland under the management of the NIH. We discussed the potential uses for RLIP 76 which are prioritized for first responders and those injured but it does have a potential application for space. Listeners asked our guest several questions about its potential use in space, on the way to Mars, on the surface of Mars, and even on the lunar surface for a lunar settlement. At one point later in our discussion, I suggested that being able to use RLIP 76 on a lunar settlement a decade or so out might be the first use of it if we escape a nuclear accident, nuclear terrorist attack, etc. He said such a first usage would be a dream come through as it would mean there were no nuke accidents or attacks and we had a settlement on the Moon! We did talk at length about the two types of animals used in the testing, plus moving to human trials and what information is sought from the human trials. We also talked about production and manufacturing for RLIP 76 and I asked if they had future plans for outsourcing the production to another country. Near the end of our discussion, Dr. Bilby went through the four phases of testing with us as required by the FDA. We also talked extensively about the FDA Emergency Use Authorization for any drug and a listener wanted to know if a Mars mission could apply & be approved for using RLIP 76 as part of their life support mission planning. Just as the show ended, Doug sent in an email asking about the probability of NASA increasing the amount of radiation allowed if the crews used RLIP 76. Dr. Bilby answered him by saying pharmaceuticals might change the profile & exposure levels as current standards are for unmedicated crews. But it was far from certain & NASA might not be the determining agency on the matter. Post your comments/questions on TSS Blog. You can contact Dr. Bilby through me or his website.
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