Revive Therapeutics Updates Bucillamine Nerve Agent Study

Revive Therapeutics Ltd., a specialty life sciences company based in Toronto, has announced an update on its collaborative research with Defence R&D Canada – Suffield Research Centre (DRDC), a branch of the Canadian Department of National Defence. The study aims to evaluate Bucillamine as a potential treatment for nerve agent exposure. Nerve agents, which are highly toxic chemicals affecting the nervous system, are often found in military stockpiles and can cause severe symptoms such as tightness of the chest, excessive salivation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, blurred vision, tremors, and even death.

DRDC's research focuses on pharmacological compounds like Bucillamine to mitigate brain injuries induced by nerve agents. Initial control studies are currently underway, and the evaluation of this data is expected to be completed this month. Subsequent treatment studies will follow, with the entire research project anticipated to conclude by August 2024.

Nerve agents, such as sarin, soman, tabun, and VX, are synthetic chemicals designed for use in chemical warfare. They are known to be present in military stockpiles and pose significant risks if accidentally released from storage facilities. Exposure to these agents can be fatal, underscoring the necessity for effective countermeasures.

Recent research has highlighted the potential of antioxidant compounds like n-acetylcysteine (NAC) in limiting seizure activity and enhancing the efficacy of GABA-mediating anticonvulsants such as diazepam. Bucillamine, an even more potent antioxidant than NAC, may offer greater efficacy in reducing seizure activity while minimizing the risk of anticoagulant and bleeding events associated with NAC.

The primary goal of the research is to explore pharmacological strategies for neuroprotection of GABA(A) receptors, crucial for the effectiveness of current anticonvulsant therapies. The study will assess the impact of Bucillamine and NAC on GABA(A) receptor endocytosis and examine their effects on the efficacy of diazepam in terminating seizures. Additional antioxidant effects on seizure activity and survival rates will also be evaluated.

If the research yields promising results, it could pave the way for further studies aimed at securing FDA and Health Canada approvals for Bucillamine's use against nerve agents or organophosphate pesticide poisoning. Moreover, Revive Therapeutics may consider investigating Bucillamine's potential in treating traumatic brain injuries caused by concussive or explosive forces.

Revive Therapeutics Ltd. is dedicated to advancing therapeutics and diagnostics for infectious diseases, medical countermeasures, and rare disorders. The company leverages various regulatory incentives from the FDA, such as Emergency Use Authorization, Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and Breakthrough Therapy designations. In addition to exploring Bucillamine for nerve agent exposure and long COVID treatment, Revive is also progressing in the development of Psilocybin-based therapeutics through multiple programs.