Research strategies for the treatment of biothreats.
Whether it is a layperson in the street or a politician in the Senate, there is widespread fear over the consequences of biothreats. In response to these fears, a wide range of treatments has been developed. These include antibiotics (conventional and unconventional uses), nucleic acids (analogues, antisense, ribozymes and DNAzymes), immunomodulators, antibodies, bacteriophage therapy and micro-encapsulation. Furthermore, there are often additional benefits when these therapeutics are used in combination, rather than alone. Although there has been much investment in therapeutics against a terrorist threat for reasons of national security, there are likely to be far greater benefits and applications on domestic and world health.
Cherwonogrodzky
John W
JW
Department of National Defence, Defence R&D Canada (DRDC Suffield), Chemical and Biological Defence Section, Box 4000 Station Main, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada. Cherwonogrodzky@drdc-rddc.gc.ca
D001694:Biological Warfare; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends*; D023482:Bioterrorism; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D013812:Therapeutics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*