A new drug has been found to offer protection against the deadly effects of nuclear radiation.

A research team led by the University of Texas Medical Branch found that a single injection of a regenerative peptide was shown to significantly increase survival in mice when given 24 hours after nuclear radiation exposure.

The study, published in the journal Laboratory Investigation, suggests the drug — known as TP508 — could become a first-line treatment of individuals exposed to radiation in a nuclear accident.

Radiation triggers a number of potentially lethal effects, including severe damage to the gastrointestinal system and destruction of the intestinal lining. Such damage decreases the ability of the body to absorb water and causes electrolyte imbalances, bacterial infection, intestinal leakage, sepsis, and death.

Lead researcher Carla Kantara, postdoctoral fellow in biochemistry and molecular biology, said the drug given significantly increased survival and delayed mortality in mice 24 hours after a potentially-lethal exposure to radiation by counteracting damage to the gastrointestinal system.

"The current results suggest that the peptide may be an effective emergency nuclear countermeasure that could be delivered within 24 hours after exposure to increase survival and delay mortality, giving victims time to reach facilities for advanced medical treatment," Kantara said.