Aeolus’s Drug Protects Lungs From Mustard Gas

Researchers from the National Jewish Medical & Research Center have reported that Aeolus Pharmaceuticals’lead compound has shown significant protection of lung tissue in animals exposed to 2-chloroethyl-ethylsulfide, commonly known as half-mustard.

In a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CounterACT program, AEOL 10150 was tested along with 19 other compounds to determine effectiveness in protecting lung tissue against edema and hemorrhage resulting from exposure to mustard gas.

AEOL 10150 was given to rats one hour after 2-chloroethyl-ethylsulfide (CEES) exposure and again six hours later. 18 hours after exposure, lung edema and hemorrhage was assessed by changes in the bronchoalveolar lavage protein and red blood cell levels. AEOL 10150 significantly reduced mustard gas-induced lung edema and hemorrhage. These results also suggest that AEOL 10150 rescues the lung from mustard gas exposure and may provide a countermeasure against mustard gas-induced lung injury.

John McManus, president and CEO of Aeolus, said: We are very excited about the results of this study and appreciate the excellent work performed by our research partners at National Jewish Medical & Research Center. We believe that if the second NIH funded study is positive we may be able to file with the FDA within the next eighteen months.”