News Article -- July 20, 2005

Enzymes Interdict Nerve Agents in Bioscavenger Program

News about BioScavenger from the U.S. Army News Service.

In 2005 DVC won $19.6 million to develop plasma-derived human butyrylcholinesterase. Under the contract, DVC will lead a collaborative effort with Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a leader in the development and manufacturing of plasma-derived therapeutics.

The contract includes process development and manufacturing of a candidate therapeutic to be used in a phase 1 clinical trial. Nicknamed “BioScavenger,” this candidate is being developed for its potential to provide protection from the toxic effects of certain chemical warfare agents.

Butyrylcholinesterase is an enzyme found in human blood plasma that has been shown to inhibit organophosphorous chemical nerve agents such as Sarin, Soman and VX.