Anthrax drugs

The biological activity of a compound can often be affected dramatically by the presence of even a single fluorine substituent that is placed in a particular position within the molecule. There are diverse reasons for this, which have been discussed briefly in the preface and introduction of this book. A few illustrative examples of bioactive compounds containing a single fluorine substituent are given in Fig. 3.1. These include what is probably the first example of enhanced bioactivity due to fluorine substitution, that of the corticosteroid 3-1 below wherein Fried discovered, in 1954, that the enhanced acidity of the fluorohydrin enhanced the activity of the compound.1 Also pictured are the antibacterial (3-fluoro amino acid, FA (3-2), which acts as a suicide substrate enzyme inactivator, and the well-known anti-anthrax drug, CIPRO (3-3). 

Fluoroquinolones Not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in children except for anthrax (ciprofloxacin). MRSA, methicillin-resistant 5. aureus MSSA, methicillin-sensitive 5. aureus. 

The lack of financial profit of the production of orphan drug production is the main obstacle in achievement of the protection task. NBC orphan drugs (NBC-OD) are necessary in large amount, only in critical situations (war, natural or technological disaster, terrorist attack etc ). Practically all NBC-OD, with very few exceptions, like anthrax vaccine, have no civil use, as drugs. 

Ciprofloxacin An antibiotic drug useful in treating bacterial infections the recommended antibiotic for treating anthrax infections as well as prophylaxis in a biological warfare setting. 

Do NOT use extended-spectrum cephalosporins or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because anthrax may be resistant to these drugs. 

Begin drug administration as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to B. anthracis spores. This indication is based on a surrogate endpoint, ciprofloxacin serum concentrations achieved in humans, reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. Total duration c ciprofloxacin administration (IV, IR, or oral) for inhalational anthrax (postexposure) is 60 days. 

Children Tetracyclines generally should not be used in children less than 8 years of age (except for anthrax, including inhalational) unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are contraindicated. 

Allergic reactions (e.g., rashes, urticaria, and eosino-philia) have been observed. These drugs have occasionally been associated with cholestatic jaundice, blood dyscrasias, hemolytic anemia, hypoglycemia, and nephrotoxicity. Recently the use of ciprofloxacin for prophylaxis protection against anthrax infection has been associated with damage to muscle ligaments. 

Third, as the anthrax vaccine experience reveals, both DoD acquisition personnel and the contractors hired by DoD have not always possessed the technical and managerial expertise for working with FDA. Interactions with FDA, especially in licensing-related efforts, involve a complicated three-way relationship among DoD, the private contractor, and FDA. This relationship is quite unlike either the two-way relationship between DoD and defense contractors involved in the procurement of weapon systems or the two-way interaction between FDA and a private drug firm. The policy and operational issues about how to manage these three-way relationships have yet to be worked out. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Approves License Supplements for Anthrax Vaccine Lots from Renovated Facility Can Be Released and Distributed, press release FDA News), January 31, 2002a, available at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2002/ NEW00792.html (accessed July 2003). 

Anticipating Y2K (year 2000) switch-over in computers, Americans increased their purchases of drugs, along with other supplies. The recent anthrax scare in America also resulted in people stockpiling Cipro, the antibiotic effective against the disease. 

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