Procedures
Emergency Test for Absorbed Radiation
The HHS is spending more than $44 million to develop 2 biodosimetry tests to determine how much radiation patients have absorbed over time.
High doses of radiation are often followed by infection. HHS is preparing for emergencies by buying 2 colony-stimulating factor (CSF) products to reduce infection and risk of death in radiologic or nuclear incidents.
Related: Emergency Test for Absorbed Radiation
HHS is purchasing Neulasta (Amgen USA, Inc) and Leukine (Sanofi-Aventis US), under agreements totaling about $37.7 million and 37.6 million, respectively. Neulasta already is FDA approved to treat cancer patients exposed to high levels of radiation that damage bone marrow. Leukine is undergoing studies needed for approval.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority had earlier sponsored advanced development and purchase of Neupogen, another leukocyte growth factor product approved for treating adults and children exposed to radiation that damages bone marrow.
The deal for Neulasta and Leukine thus increases the number of CSF factor doses available for use in an emergency. It also increases operational capability, HHS says, since treatments with Neulasta are given once weekly, whereas treatment with Neupogen is daily.