SwRI DEVELOPS NOVEL SOLUTION TO ADVANCE SYNTHESIS FOR NERVE AGENT ANTIDOTES

Southwest Research Institute has developed a unique technology (US20230242487A1) that enables the safe and efficient synthesis of organophosphorus nerve agent (OPNA) oxime antidotes. Using this technology, SwRI scientists can not only successfully synthesize currently known highly effective nerve agent countermeasures, but also effectively develop promising new drug candidates to treat nerve agent exposure.

Current treatments for OPNA exposure have not changed significantly since the 1950s. OPNAs are odorless and colorless chemicals that are used in both pesticides as well as in chemical weapons. OPNAs affect the central nervous system by interrupting the signals between nerve cells, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps upon moderate exposure and finally arrhythmias, loss of consciousness and death upon severe exposure if not properly treated. An estimated 300,000 deaths per year are caused by OPNA exposure, making this issue a significant threat to both military and civilian populations worldwide.