Novel Fast-Acting Cyanide Antidote, Discovered at U of M

Filed in archive Poison & Antidotes , Studies , Treatment on December 28, 2007

Cyanide is a fatal poison that works by making your body unable to use oxygen. Without oxygen, there is no life.




Now, researchers at the University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design and Minneapolis VA Medical Center have discovered a new fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning.

According to Steven Patterson, Ph.D., principal investigator and associate director of the University of the Minnesota Center for Drug Design - who is developing an antidote that was discovered by retired University of Minnesota Professor Herbert Nagasawa:

"Current cyanide antidotes work slowly and are ineffective when administered after a certain point. This antidote works in less than three minutes - meeting the United States Department of Defense "three minute solution" standard.

It's much, much faster than current antidotes. The antidote is also effective over a wider time window. Giving emergency responders more time is important because it's not likely that someone will be exposed to cyanide near a Paramedic.

The antidote was tested on animals and has been exceptionally effective."

The said research and its findings is featured in the Dec. 27, 2007 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

The said antidote has potential to save lives of those who are exposed to the chemical cyanide such as frefighters, industrial workers and victims of terrorist attacks.

With the findings, researchers hope to begin human clinical trials during the next three years.

One more unique thing about this new antidote is because it can be taken orally (current antidotes must be given intravenously) and may be administered up to an hour prior to cyanide exposure.

Find more details from EurekAlert.