A topical skin protectant against chemical warfare agents.
BACKGROUND
Sulfur mustard and VX are potent chemical warfare agents that penetrate rapidly through the skin, causing severe prolonged injuries and sometimes death.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a topically applied pretreatment that will act as a barrier and prevent the absorption of these agents through the skin, reducing morbidity and saving life.


METHODS
Several formulations were developed and tested in preclinical animal studies in pigs. The protecting cream was applied as a single application (0.5-1 ml/100 cm2) prior to exposure (10 minutes to 12 hours) to sulfur mustard or VX. Assessment of sulfur mustard-induced skin damage was based on clinical and histologic evaluations. When tested against VX, clinical signs and blood cholinesterase activity were monitored. At the final stage of development, safety studies were conducted in animals and in human volunteers.


RESULTS
The formulation that gave the best results, coded IB1 (under patent application), provided significant protection against a 1 hour exposure to sulfur mustard (droplets or vapor). All the pigs pretreated with IB1 cream survived a 1-4 hour challenge of 2xLD50 VX and did not exhibit any overt clinical signs. Protection was exhibited even when the cream was applied 12 hours (single application) prior to exposure. IB1 was found to be non-irritating in animals and humans. No adverse effects were found in a Phase I clinical study in young healthy volunteers when the cream was applied to around 20% of the skin surface (results presented elsewhere).


CONCLUSIONS
IB1 cream has been shown to be a safe and effective topical skin protectant against the chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard and VX.
Kadar
Tamar
T
Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel. kadar@iibr.gov.il
Fishbine
Eliezer
E
Meshulam
Jacob
J
Sahar
Rita
R
Amir
Adina
A
Barness
Izhak
I
D000818:Animals; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D009151:Mustard Gas / Q000633:toxicity*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013552:Swine
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009151:Mustard Gas