Biodefense cocktail to be given to troops

The scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee -- in collaboration with a national team -- say their biodefense cocktail is expected to be deployed to U.S. troops within the next five years.

Using a nasal spray, the cocktail of drugs will trigger immune activation in each person's respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, the most likely routes of attack.

Dr. Harry Whelan, professor of neurology and senior author, said, "This will revolutionize our defense against germ warfare, as well as the treatment of infectious diseases in our population, as a whole. It is possible to include agents which inhibit molecular events leading to septic shock, as well.

"This new technology confers broad spectrum, short term, immunity against unknown biothreat agents for war fighters sent into harm's way."

The study is published in the current issue of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International