HHS Enlists MediWound to Develop Treatment for Sulfur Mustard Injury

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will work with MediWound Ltd.of Yavne, Israel, to develop a new treatment for skin injuries caused by sulfur mustard, a potential terrorism threat. Currently, there are no treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for skin injuries caused by exposure to sulfur mustard.

“Mustard agents have been used in conflicts for over 100 years, yet there still are no approved treatments for the injuries they cause,” said Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. “At BARDA, we have a sense of urgency to develop innovative treatments to protect Americans against this and other national security threats.

Sulfur mustard was first used as a chemical weapon during World War I, and damages the skin, eyes, and lungs. Skin exposure to sulfur mustard can cause redness and blistering, similar to a second- or third-degree burn. The damage is slow to heal and can lead to scarring. Severe exposure can be fatal.