MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- California-based Aeolus Pharmaceuticals Inc. has begun testing a compound to measure its efficacy in countering the effects of mustard gas exposure.
Aeolus announced it has begun a series of tests on its AEOL 10150 compound after initial test results showed protective effects against radiation and mustard gas in animals. The tests, which will be conducted using whole sulfur mustard gas, are being funded as part of the National Institutes of Health's CounterACT program.
Company officials say if the new tests prove successful, the AEOL 10150 compound could be an effective countermeasure in the event of a terrorist attack or offer soldiers greater protection when facing a biological warfare scenario.
"Initiating studies in whole mustard is a critical milestone for Aeolus," John McManus, Aeolus Pharmaceuticals president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
"We are anxious to see the results of studies using whole mustard. We are grateful to the National Institutes of Health's CounterACT program for their support and funding of this program and have been encouraged by the work done so far."
