Protection against soman or VX poisoning by human butyrylcholinesterase in guinea pigs and cynomolgus monkeys.

Human butyrylcholinesterase (HuBuChE), purified from outdated human plasma, is being evaluated for efficacy against nerve agents in guinea pigs and cynomolgus monkeys. Previous studies in rodents and nonhuman primates demonstrated that pretreatment of animals with enzymes that can scavenge nerve agents could provide significant protection against behavioral and lethal effects of nerve agent intoxication. In preparation for evaluation of efficacy of HuBuChE prior to initiating an investigational new drug (IND) application, the pharmacokinetics of HuBuChE were evaluated in guinea pigs and in cynomolgus monkeys.