Source: The Associated Press |
Wayne State University researcher tests eye drops as chemical weapons aid Wayne State University researcher tests eye drops as chemical weapons aid July 15, 2009 — Detroit, Mi A medical researcher is testing newly developed eye drops as a protection for U.S. soldiers against the blinding effects of some chemical weapons. Dr. Gabriel Sosne is an associate professor at Wayne State University's medical school. He's working with Bethesda, Md.-based RegeneRx BioPharmaceuticals Inc. and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense to evaluate the drops as protection from the blinding effects of mustard gas and similar chemicals.
Over the next year, Dr. Sosne will work with military researchers to test how well Thymosin Beta 4, in the form of RGN-259 eye drops, prevents eye damage before exposure to chemical agents, as well as determine their ability to reduce damage to the eye from such chemicals. "Soldiers may one day carry RGN-259 drops as part of their normal protection kit, along with their gas masks and protective chemical suits," Dr. Sosne said. "It may also have very practical applications in industry. It could become part of the standard first aid cabinet in factories and industries employing caustic materials." Mustard gas was introduced in World War I and more recently by Saddam Hussein in Iraq's 1980s war against Iran. The yearlong tests will see if Thymosin Beta 4 works when used before and after exposure. RegeneRx also is conducting clinical trials of the drops for commercial use. |
