March 2004

Below is a listing of bioterrorism-related events this month, part of an ongoing bioterrorism chronology that begins with Sep 11, 2001. To see events from other months, go to the Bioterrorism Watch index page.

Mar 31

Company files IND application for new anthrax drug
PharmAthene, Inc., announces it has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA to begin human clinical trials of ToxBlox, its drug for treatment of inhalational anthrax. Studies in rabbits and rats have shown the agent to be effective. Those studies, funded by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, found that very short duration therapy (5 days) provided lasting protection against large challenge doses of anthrax spores. ToxBlox is a mutated anthrax protective antigen that protects prevents release of anthrax toxins in to the cells, according to a company press release. The company is embarking on an aggressive manufacturing strategy to ensure the drug's availability in an emergency.

Mar 30

Bolton renews Cuba charges, Cuba rejects
John Bolton, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, says in written testimony to the US House of Representatives International Relations Committee that Cuta remains a "terrorist and (biological weaspons) threat to the United States." Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque quickly denied Bolton's claims, saying "all this is false." Bolton made similar charges in 2002, accusing Cuba of biological weapons research just as former President Jimmy Carter was to make a visit to the country; Carter disputed those accusations.

Hatfill's suit put on hold, critical anthrax info may be forthcoming
US District Judge Reggie Walton rules that the FBI's anthrax investigation can go on for the next 6 months "unfettered" by the defamation lawsuit filed last summer by Steven Hatfill, a "person of interest" in the probe. Government lawyers last month asked for a 6-month delay in the Hatfill suit, saying those proceedings could demand release of sensitive information that would disrupt their investigation (see Feb 6 item). The Washington Post reports that critical information may be available in the anthrax case by early July, likely indentification of the lab where the anthrax used in the 2001 mailings was made. Justice Department lawyers will brief Walton July 6 on progress in the case.

Mar 29

Two-year-old document on bioterrorism preparedness released by DoD
The Pentagon has, after 2 years, released an edited version of an April 2002 document that says the United States is not well prepared for a bioterrorist attack, according to a New York Times story. The document, "Lessons from the Anthrax Attacks: Implications for U.S. Bioterrorism Preparedness," was produced under contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington organization that does nonsecret research for the government and others. The report's release follows 2 years of refusal by the Department of Defense to make the report public because of their belief that parts of it could be used by terrorists to their advantage against the United States. The controversy stems from the fact that the report's contents are based on a nonclassified meeting of experts held in December 2001 by CSIS and on public materials. The release follows the filing of a Freedom of Information Act request by the Federation of American Scientists.

More focus needed on port security, Senators hear
A hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee last week was rife with complaints that funding for security at US ports has been modest in comparison with that for airlines and that more attention must be paid to the tens of thousands of cargo containers that arrive in the United States every day, reports a Herald Times story. President Bush's proposed budget for next year includes $46 million for port security grants—63% less that the allotment for this year. Ports authorities claim they need $400 million in 2005, and the Coast Guard says seaports need $1.4 billion to comply with the mandates set forth in the Maritime Transportation Security Act, passed after the terrorist attack of 2001. Ports are supposed to be in compliance with that act's mandates by July 1; experts say few, if any, will meet that deadline. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) has introduced a bill authorizing $800 million per year over 5 years for grants for port security, reports Government Executive.

Mar 25

UK issues new guidance on CBRN decontamination
The United Kingdom's Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Resilience Programme releases new guidance on decontamination of the open environment after a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) event. It offers practical strategies for cleanup and a set of basic diseaster-recovery principles. Release of the guidance "does not signal any new threat to the UK" but is part of a continuous planning process, says Beverley Hughes, a Home Office minister.

Mar 24

Study brings plague vaccine closer
Progress has been made toward an effective plague vaccine, announces the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A study by researchers from NIAID and the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, published in Infection and Immunity, found 100% protection afforded to mice fed on by plague-infected fleas. The testing done was unique in that it used a model that mimics the natural transmission route of plague, that is, through the bite of infected fleas. (See CIDRAP News story.)

Mar 23

Experts want bioterrorism planning kept on front burner
Several top bioterrorism experts discuss bioterrorism preparedness at a forum at the Georgia Institute of Technology hosted by former Sen. Sam Nunn. The overriding messages were that there are serious gaps in preparedness and that bioterrorism must retain its position in people's minds as a serious threat. Tara O'Toole, director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Center for Biosecurity, expressed concern that the focus on bioterrorism has dimmed for many local leaders. "Bioterrorism and nuclear weapons are the only two ways that could take down the United States," she stated. She and others said communities must continue planning for sudden outbreaks of deadly diseases. "We're not attacking the problem like it's a national security priority," said O'Toole.

CIA expert meets with Olympic organizers over security prep
Jose Rodriguez, the CIA's top counterterrorism official, meets with Olympic organizers to talk about security for the Aug 13-19 games in Athens. Greek authorities asked NATO last week for help in security against chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents for the games. Budgeted for security at these games is more than $800 million, three times the amount spent on security in Sydney 4 years ago.

Thompson calls Japan to arms on bioterrorism preparedness
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson tells Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun that attacks with biological weapons on the United States and Japan are going to happen, and the only question is when. He says Japan has not yet developed a comprehensive response plan and urges Japanese officials to see what HHS has done and adopt similar policies.

Mar 22

More emphasis needed on training of healthcare workers for emergency preparedness, says Congress
Congress wants to target new mechanisms for the training of the health workforce in emergency preparedness, reports a US Newswire story. There has been much work done on material solutions, such as development of vaccines, drugs, diagnostic devices, and surveillance methods, but training has received less emphasis. The 100-member Association of Academic Health Centers, in collaboration with counterterrorism expert Michael Hopmeier, will operate the Healthcare Incentivization Working Group to find opportunities to assist the healthcare delivery system in better preparing for emergencies.

Mar 18

California network receives $1.4 million for bioterrorism preparedness
San Diego University Foundation receives a $1.4 million CDC grant for the California Distance Learning Health Network (CDLHN). The network is intended to act as a communications link for public health officials in the event of a bioterrorism attack. Four areas will be addressed in grant work: preparedness planning and readiness assessment, technical support, health risk communication, and education and training, according to news Web site SDSUniverse. CDLHN has satellite installations that connect to the California Department of Health Services, all 61 local health jurisdictions in California, and numerous private healthcare providers.

Mar 15

New panel to speed communities' receipt of federal preparedness monies
A panel aimed at speeding up the flow of federal funds for terrorism preparedness efforts to local officials is announced by the Department of Homeland Security. The panel consists of 20 top state and local officials and is chaired by Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. In January, a survey by the US Conference of Mayors found that 76% of cities polled had not received expected funding. (See also Sep 17, 2003, item.)

Mar 14

Galveston lab to begin BSL-4 work
A laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, will begin research on biosafety level 4 organisms within the next 2 weeks, reports the Houston Chronicle. The lab will handle the most dangerous biological materials known; only labs at the Centers for Disease Control and the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases will be ahead of the Galveston lab for emergency research in cases of bioterrorism or naturally occurring epidemics. Researchers there will work on field tests todetect the organisms, drugs to combat them, and vaccines to protect against them.

Mar 12

NIOSH approves gas masks for emergency personnel
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) licenses the first gas mask designed to protect first-responders from chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological agents. New standards for such masks were set by the agency following the Sep 11, 2001, terror attacks. The military has similar masks, but they do not meet the NIOSH standards and are not practical for use by civilians. (See CIDRAP News story.)

Feds to order 75 million doses of anthrax vaccine
The federal government plans to order up to 75 million doses of experimental anthrax vaccine to add to the National Strategic Stockpile. The recombinant protective antigen (rPA) vaccine ordered will be enough to vaccinate 25 million people, or about 9% of the population. (See CIDRAP News story.)

Mar 10

New smallpox vaccine may prove safe for at-risk patients
Two new animal studies of a weakened smallpox vaccine show that it holds promise for use in people at risk for complications the smallpox immunizations now available, announces the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The vaccine, modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), is a weakened form of vaccinia virus. It was found in one study, published in Nature, to be effective in protecting monkeys from monkeypox. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it was effective against smallpox in immune deficient mice. Both studies were led by NIAID researchers. (See CIDRAP News story.)

Texas professor sentenced in plague case
Former Texas Tech professor Thomas Butler, whose report last year of missing vials of plague-causing bacteria caused a bioterrorism scare, is sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, fined $15,000, and ordered to pay restitution of $38,000. In January he paid $250,000 to Texas Tech and retired. In February he voluntarily surrendered his medical license. (See Dec 1, 2003, item, which contains links to earlier items on this subject.)

Mar 9

States to get WMD support
The Department of Defense announces that 12 states will receive WMD civil support teams this year. The teams' purpose is to assist first-responders in the event of a terrorist event or other emergency. The states are Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wisconsin. Thirty-two other teams are operational already (see January 16 item).

Two promising anthrax treatments
Biotechnology company Human Genome Sciences announces that ABthrax, its drug for treating anthrax, may be safe for human use. It bases this claim on studies in rabbits that showed it to be effective if given within 12 hours of exposure. Meanwhile, Elusys Therapeutics says that an anthrax drug it is developing has proved to be protective in rabbits and mice if given just before exposure. Both drugs are articificial antibodies, or proteins that mimic natural protective proteins made by the body. A Washington Post article says that the US government may eventually have to confront "an embarrassment of riches" in that many companies are developing treatments and vaccines against potential agents of bioterrorism and the government will have to decide which to purchase.

Mar 8

FDA guidance on treatments for smallpox shot side effects
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues draft guidance for the development of drugs to treat the side effects of smallpox vaccination. The vaccination uses live vaccinia virus, which has the potential to cause sometimes serious complications, especially in selected groups of patients. (See CIDRAP News story.)

SMARTRUCK III: a mobile command-and-control center
Army The Army has developed a vehicle capable of detecting airborne biohazards and alerting authorities, movement of people and vehicles even in complete darkness and fending off their attacks if necessary, and even sensing and shooting down incoming missiles. The SMARTRUCK III is a true "mobile command-and-control center," according to a Business Wire report. The first focus for the vehicle is military use, but it could be used for homeland security purposes as well.

Mar 4

New panel to watch over "dual-use" research
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announces creation of a new panel to oversee "dual-use" research—legitimate scientific work that could be misused to threaten public health or national security. The panel, called the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, is "a major step in a longer process of outreach and education to scientists in the United States and internationally," according to John Marburger, director of  the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (See CIDRAP News story.)

US anthrax vaccine sold to Taiwan
BioPort Corporation, maker of BioThrax, the anthrax vaccine given to US military personnel, announces that the Taiwanese government is buying supplies of the agent to immunize laboratory workers and create a stockpile for emergency use. This represents the first commercial sale of the vaccine. The company states that its primary focus will remain making vaccine for protecting US citizens but that world-wide demand for anthrax vaccine is increasing.

Mar 2

New VaxGen anthrax vaccine trial results positive
Promising results of Phase I clinical testing of a new anthrax vaccine, recombinant Protective Antigen anthrax vaccine (rPA102) made by VaxGen, are announced at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta. The trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of escalating doses of rPA102 and compared them with Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA), the vaccine currently in use by the US military. The new vaccine, which is designed to provide immunity in three doses rather than the six doses required for AVA, was found to bring about immune responses comparable to those with AVA. There was a clear dose-response, and antibody levels continued to rise after the third rPA102 injection. The experimental vaccine was well tolerated at each dose level. causing fewer local reactions than AVA. Phase II trials are to begin this month.

New method for ridding air of biological agents
An air-compression pump invented by scientists at the University of Buffalo provide a method for ridding buildings of airborne biological agents that is faster and cheaper than the corrosive gas used to clean buildings contaminated with anthrax spores in the fall of 2001. Called BioBlower, the device instantly super heats air moving through it at high rates to temperatures capable of killing virtually all biological agents. A small BioBlower unit could decontaminate an office in about a minute, according to the inventors, and buldings such as hospitals could have continual air decontamination through installation of units in their air-handling systems. A commercial prototype may be available within a year.

Mar 1

Ridge details NIMS for standardized emergency response
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, speaking at the National Association of Counties legislative conference, unveils a plan for standardized management for first-responders, according to Government Executive. The National Incident Management System (NIMS), in development since last August, sets standardized protocols for local, state, and federal agencies to follow when responding to emergencies. The system, says Ridge, "fully puts into practice the concept of one mission, one team, one fight." Detailed guidelines will be issued shortly, and localities will have until Oct 1 to comply or DHS grants will be withheld.

For other months' installments, go to the Bioterrorism Watch index page