Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) continues to expand its unique drug synthesis capabilities and expertise to advance the scaled-up production of safer antidotes to combat exposure to organophosphate nerve agents (OPNAs) and pesticides.
Unlike existing manufacturing processes, SwRI’s new approach avoids carcinogenic compounds in the synthesis of HI-6, Obidoxime, and HLö 7 oxime antidotes. This makes for safer antidotes and supports the kilogram-scale production needed to maintain the domestic supply of OPNA antidotes for the United States military. End-to-end antidote production in the US also reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions and other stresses that could arise during times of international conflict.
Exposure to pesticides and various nerve agents, such as OPNAs, causes approximately 200,000 deaths worldwide each year. Nerve agents and pesticides disrupt the normal functions of the nervous system, causing a toxic buildup of a neurotransmitter used to trigger muscle movement.
“Exposure to nerve agents or pesticides triggers a range of symptoms from blurred vision, nausea and vomiting to seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death. Oxime compounds such as HI-6 restore normal nervous system function after exposure to OPNA,” said lead scientist Dr. Shawn Blumberg, who developed it. “This is an important step in preventing further neurodegeneration.”
By eliminating toxic chemical reagents during synthesis, SwRI supports the safe and scalable production of known, highly effective medical antidotes while continuing ongoing collaborative efforts to discover new and potentially more effective antidotes.
Our team has developed a new high-throughput, high-quality manufacturing process to facilitate domestic production of antidotes such as HI-6, which is quickly becoming the antidote of choice due to its efficacy and versatility. We have demonstrated a new synthetic manufacturing approach that meets Current Good Manufacturing Practices.”
Dr. Shawn Blumberg, Chief Scientist
If produced in the United States, oxime antidotes could be exported to US allies around the world.
“SwRI has supported research into nerve agent antidotes for the US military for nearly 20 years. We have established a synthetic pathway for oxime antidotes, enabling safer production of these drugs on a commercial scale, overcoming challenges that have prevented their use since their discovery in 20u century,” said Director of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Darrell Johnston.
Source:
