Revive Therapeutics Partners with Canadian Defence Agency on Nerve Agent Treatment Research

TORONTO — Revive Therapeutics Ltd., a specialty life sciences firm dedicated to developing treatments for rare disorders and medical needs, announced today its collaboration with Defence R&D Canada – Suffield Research Centre (DRDC), an entity within the Canadian Department of National Defence. The partnership aims to explore the efficacy of Bucillamine as a potential remedy for nerve agent exposure. The research endeavor, funded entirely by the DRDC, is slated to commence in the early months of Q1-2024.

Amid increasing concerns over nerve agent-induced injuries, the DRDC has been actively seeking compounds capable of countering their harmful effects on the brain. Recent scientific investigations have pointed to the potential of antioxidant compounds like n-acetylcysteine (NAC) in restricting seizure activities and enhancing the potency of GABA-mediating drugs such as diazepam. However, Bucillamine, a markedly superior antioxidant compared to NAC, presents promising prospects. Its potential benefits include increased resistance against seizures and reduced risks associated with anticoagulant and bleeding events commonly seen with NAC. Following optimistic outcomes, the objective is to expedite Health Canada’s endorsement for Bucillamine in treating nerve agent or organophosphate pesticide poisoning. The drug’s efficacy against mild traumatic brain injuries from concussive or explosive forces will also be assessed.

Michael Frank, CEO of Revive, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to work with the DRDC in evaluating Bucillamine as a potential therapeutic for nerve agent exposure and validating the novel uses and formulations of Bucillamine for public health medical emergencies, including pandemic influenza, emerging infectious diseases, and medical countermeasure incidents and attacks.”