HHS pursuing nasal spray treatment for cyanide poisoning

The Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with Emergent BioSolutions to develop and test a nasal spray treatment for cyanide poisoning. Exposure to high levels of cyanide, a potential chemical weapon, can cause death within minutes. “All currently approved cyanide antidotes are administered intravenously, which takes time, training and medical resources,” said Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. “To save lives, first responders need a treatment they can administer easily within seconds in the field.”