Treatment for Smoke Inhalation and Cyanide Poisoning

Background

The number one cause of death due to fires is smoke inhalation. An estimated 60-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries rather than burns. Cyanide, as one of the major toxic chemicals generated in household fires, contributes to these smoke inhalation-related deaths. Cyanide may also cause toxicity through ingestion or dermal absorption.

Technology Description

A naturally occurring small molecule has been found to have an extremely high binding affinity for cyanide. This molecule can, therefore, act as a cyanide scavenger and has the potential to treat cyanide poisoning as well as smoke inhalation. The molecule shows no evidence of toxicity in tissue culture cells when delivered at clinically useful levels. A rapid and inexpensive new method to produce the molecule has also been developed.

Advantages

The compound is inexpensive, easy to synthesize and non-toxic, and has the potential to be a more effective treatment than currently used methods.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending