Fast Acting Cyanide Antidote Discovered

A new, fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning has the potential to save the lives of those who are exposed to the chemical, including firefighters, industrial workers, and victims of terrorist attack.

Researchers of the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, USA) Center for Drug Design and the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (MN, USA) developed the antidote based on mechanisms used by the body to detoxify small amounts of cyanide that occur naturally in pitted fruits, some grasses, and other foods. The new antidote takes advantage of this natural detoxification pathway by providing the substance the body uses to convert cyanide to non-toxic thiocyanate. The antidote was tested on animal models, and human clinical trials are expected to begin during the next three years. The antidote, which works in less than three minutes, can be taken orally (current antidotes must be given intravenously) and may be administered up to an hour prior to cyanide exposure. The antidote was discovered by retired University of Minnesota professor Herbert Nagasawa, Ph.D. The study was published in the December 27, 2007, issue of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

"It's much, much faster than current antidotes,” said lead author Steven Patterson, Ph.D., associate director of the University of the Minnesota Center for Drug Design. "The antidote is also effective over a wider time window. Giving emergency responders more time is important because it's not likely that someone will be exposed to cyanide near a paramedic.”

Cyanide is a rapid acting toxin that inhibits cellular respiration, rapidly shutting down many of the fundamental biochemical processes the body needs to survive. Symptoms of acute cyanide poisoning include headache, vertigo, lack of motor coordination, weak pulse, abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, stupor, convulsions, coma, and even death. When released in an enclosed area, cyanide can be particularly deadly and impact a victim very quickly. Survivors of cyanide poisoning are also at risk of short-term memory loss and development of a Parkinson's-like syndrome.


Related Links:
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis VA medical center