NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Research Program

Abstract

The NIH is taking a leadership role in pursuing the development of new and improved medical countermeasures designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat the conditions caused by potential and existing chemical agents of terrorism. In addition, many of the same chemicals posing a threat as terrorist agents may also be released from transportation and storage facilities by industrial accidents or during a natural disaster. The NIH has developed a comprehensive Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Research Network that includes Research Centers of Excellence, individual research projects, Small Business Grants and Contracts, and other programs (see http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/research/counterterrorism/index.htm ). The network will conduct basic, translational, and clinical research aimed at the discovery and/or identification of better therapeutic and diagnostic medical countermeasures against chemical threat agents. The overarching goal of this research program is to enhance our diagnostic and treatment response capabilities during an emergency. The civilian chemical threat spectrum now includes chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, toxins and other chemicals. Many of the highest priority chemical threat agents target the nervous system and require new and improved neurotherapeutics that can be used as safe and rapid medical countermeasures during a mass casualty situation. Examples of these chemical agents include anticholinesterase nerve “gases” such as sarin or VX, metabolic poisons such as cyanide, and biological neurotoxins such as saxitoxin. The type of research supported within the CounterACT research program includes: (1) mechanistic research to identify targets for therapeutic/diagnostic development, (2) development of in vitro and animal models for efficacy screening of therapeutics and diagnostic tools, (3) efficacy screening of therapeutics/diagnostics using new and validated in vitro and animal models, (4) advanced efficacy studies with appropriate animal models including nonhuman primates, and (5) clinical studies, including trials, when appropriate. Special consideration will be given to research relevant to people who are particularly vulnerable, including the young, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. David A. Jett, via email at jettd@ninds.nih.gov or by telephone at (301) 496-6035 for more information and funding opportunities within the NIH CounterACT research program.