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Praha (pte005/01.02.2003/15:29) - A new anti-nerve agent delivered through a patch the size of a band-aid has been developed to protect soldiers against deadly chemical weapons. Scientists in the Czech Republic say they have perfected the anti-nerve agent which provides protection against toxins that attack the nervous systems including sarin, tabun, and soman - all believed to be part of Saddam Hussein's alleged chemical warfare stocks.
A plaster, soaked in a substance called 'Transant' is stuck on the forearm and within minutes the substance enters the bloodstream providing continuous protection for the wearer. Scientists at the Czech Military Medical Academy say clinical trials will begin in the Czech capital, Prague, and 'Transant' could be available to armed forces within two years.
Jiri Kassa, deputy chief at the academy's toxicology department, told Czech daily 'Mlada Fronta Dnes': "Transant is now expected to go through a series of clinical and military tests but already we can say that used in combination with Panpal pills it will be much more effective than any other known preventive substances." http://www.mfdnes.cz/ Panpal is an antidote to nerve-paralysing agents.
The scientists have also made clear the substance could also be made available for civilians as the threat of nerve-gas terror attacks on larger cities grows. In early January British police made a series of arrests in connection with the suspected production of the deadly toxin ricin in a London flat. It is believed the ricin was being manufactured in preparation for a possible terror attack. Kassa said: "We are mainly concerned with helping to save people's lives but we cannot ignore the commercial aspect of this product."
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