The United States is beginning to test a new means of removing harmful radioactive substances from the body. The drug Hopo 14-1 is expected to neutralize some of the hazardous elements used in the creation of so-called "dirty bombs," including uranium.
Source. This was reported by the BBC.
If the antidote proves to be safe and effective, it can protect against potential harm from nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks.
About 40 volunteers will take different doses of the drug. Doctors will monitor the development of side effects and the health of the volunteers.
The results of the first phase of the study are expected in 2024, according to the study leaders.
A "dirty bomb" is an explosive device with radioactive materials. The explosion of such a bomb causes radioactive contamination of the surrounding area.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not consider a dirty bomb to be a nuclear weapon or a weapon of mass destruction.
The radiation cloud from a dirty bomb can disperse within a few blocks or kilometers of the explosion site, while the area of contamination after a nuclear warhead explosion can reach tens of thousands of square kilometers.
However, exposure to radiation can still damage DNA, tissues, and human organs, leading to diseases, including cancer. Therefore, scientists are looking for a drug that can counteract or at least reduce the effect of radiation exposure.
So far, two injectable drugs have been developed to help people exposed to radioactive plutonium, americium, or curium.
Scientists have known for many years that iodine tablets can be used to protect against the effects of radiation – they were given to people in 1986 after the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident.
Another drug, Berlin blue (potassium hexacyanoferrate), can help remove radioactive cesium and thallium from the human body.
If HOPO 14-1 proves to be effective, doctors will have the opportunity to provide protection against uranium and neptunium in addition to plutonium, americium, and curium.
Background. As reported, the WHO has updated the requirements for mandatory medicines in case of a nuclear threat.