Ceramedix Receives $4.5 Million NIAID Contract for Gastrointestinal ARS Therapeutics Development

Ceramedix Secures Significant Funding to Combat GI-ARS

In a pivotal development for the field of biotherapeutics, Ceramedix, Inc., a privately owned company based in New York City, has recently announced the awarding of a substantial multi-year contract worth up to $4.5 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding aims to expedite the growth and advancement of its leading gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) therapeutic, a promising candidate designed to provide immediate medical assistance in the event of radiation exposure.

The awarded contract will support critical nonclinical in vivo studies and facilitate advanced Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) development of Ceramedix’s innovative drug candidate—a unique anti-ceramide antibody poised to inhibit the signaling pathways responsible for microvascular cell death. This therapeutic approach focuses on addressing the potentially fatal effects of GI-ARS, a condition that can arise from severe radiation exposure, especially in scenarios associated with nuclear events.

With this contract, Ceramedix seeks to bolster its efforts under previously established contract number 75N93023C00015 and SBIR Phase 2b grant number 5R44AI106283-08. Importantly, the funding will underpin essential activities required to support the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a crucial step toward bringing this life-saving treatment to those in need.

Charles Dimmler, Executive Chairman of Ceramedix, expressed excitement regarding this significant recognition from NIAID, emphasizing the essential nature of the GI-ARS Program and the challenges the company is ready to tackle. The commitment to developing a treatment for GI-ARS symbolizes a profound leap in biopharmaceutical innovation with life-saving implications during mass casualty emergencies.

Ceramedix’s novel anti-ceramide antibodies represent a ground-breaking advancement, offering a potential solution for treating GI-ARS. These antibodies are strategically designed for subcutaneous administration, ensuring rapid deployment in emergency situations.

Ceramedix prides itself on pioneering drugs aimed at treating microvasculature diseases, focusing its efforts on leveraging cutting-edge research derived from exclusive discoveries at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This foundation allows the company to explore unique biological mechanisms that contribute to cell injury and death, particularly within the context of radiation exposure.

Operating from the biotechnological accelerator at BIOLabs@NYU Langone in Long Island City, Ceramedix has also benefitted from participation in the Endless Frontier Labs (EFL) accelerator program at the NYU Stern School of Business in 2025. Such collaborations not only enhance the company’s operational capacities but also position it strategically within the competitive biopharmaceutical landscape.

The continuous funding and support from NIAID highlight a significant commitment towards public health, particularly in the realm of protecting citizens from the dire consequences of radiation exposure. The implications of Ceramedix's work extend beyond technical advancement; they embody a dedication to safeguarding lives against the potential threats posed by nuclear incidents, dovetailing scientific inquiry with urgent social need.

For more information on Ceramedix, visit their website Ceramedix.com.

As Ceramedix moves forward, the biotherapeutic landscape eagerly anticipates the outcomes of this groundbreaking research and the potential impact it may hold for medical countermeasures in the face of disasters. The road ahead may be challenging, but with steadfast determination and crucial support, Ceramedix aims to create a safer future for all.