PharmAthene has success with phase I trial

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ANNAPOLIS, Md., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. biological defense company PharmAthene Inc. announced its chemical nerve agent countermeasure has shown promising effectiveness in early trials.

Maryland-based PharmAthene announced a phase I clinical trial for its Protexia, under development to counter chemical nerve agent threats, has shown effective in initial testing in preventing toxicity.

PharmAthene is working with the Defense Department to develop a countermeasure for troops and the emergency first response community in the event of exposure to chemical nerve agents.

"These initial safety data in humans, coupled with available efficacy data in animals, suggest the potential for Protexia as a valuable medical countermeasure for nerve agent toxicity," David Wright, PharmAthene president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Preclinical studies suggest that in contrast to currently available treatments, Protexia is the first medical countermeasure that can provide protection against both the physiological and neurological toxicities associated with nerve agent poisoning."