The clinical-stage biotechnology company SMSbiotech has established its first Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) to investigate potential treatments for chemical warfare injuries.
The partnership, announced on April 22, 2025, will focus on evaluating the efficacy of SMSbiotech's stem cell technology in mitigating pulmonary damage caused by sulfur mustard, a chemical warfare agent that inflicts severe and persistent respiratory injuries.
"This CRADA represents a pivotal opportunity to leverage our Small Mobile Stem cell technology in addressing severe pulmonary complications caused by chemical exposure," said Dr. Abdulkader Rahmo, President of SMSbiotech. "We are honored to collaborate with USAMRICD to advance therapies that hold transformative potential for both public health and national security."
Addressing a Century-Old Medical Challenge
Sulfur mustard, first used in warfare during World War I, continues to pose significant health threats in both military and civilian contexts. Exposure causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, with severe respiratory complications that can lead to long-term disability and death. Despite over a century of medical research, effective treatments for sulfur mustard exposure remain limited.
The collaboration between SMSbiotech and USAMRICD aims to address this critical gap in medical countermeasures. The research will specifically target sulfur mustard-induced pulmonary morbidities, which represent some of the most severe and persistent consequences of exposure.
SMSc Technology Platform
SMSbiotech's proprietary Small Mobile Stem cell (SMSc) technology platform forms the foundation of this research initiative. The platform enables targeted delivery of stem cells to specific tissues and organs, where they can potentially repair damaged cells and tissues.
For sulfur mustard-induced lung injuries, this approach could offer significant advantages over conventional treatments, which are largely supportive rather than restorative. The stem cell therapy aims to address the underlying tissue damage and potentially restore lung function in affected individuals.
Dual-Purpose Applications
While the immediate focus of the collaboration is on military applications, the potential benefits extend to civilian populations as well. Chemical exposure incidents, whether from industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or warfare, create similar medical challenges that could benefit from advanced stem cell therapies.
The partnership represents a significant milestone for SMSbiotech, marking its first formal research agreement with a government defense institution. For USAMRICD, the collaboration adds an innovative approach to its ongoing efforts to develop medical countermeasures against chemical threats.
Future Developments
SMSbiotech has indicated that it will provide updates on the advancement of this collaboration as they become available. The research timeline and specific milestones have not been publicly disclosed, reflecting the early stage of this research partnership.
If successful, this research could lead to clinical trials and potentially result in new therapeutic options for both military personnel and civilians exposed to chemical warfare agents or similar toxic substances that cause respiratory damage.
