Spray may foil anthrax attacks
AUSTRALIAN and US bioterrorism experts believe research by a Melbourne-based company will lead to the world’s first anti-anthrax spray, which can be used to protect troops and civilians from an anthrax attack. The Defence Department is co-operating with the company, Anadis, to develop a spray that will offer immediate temporary protection against such bio-warfare. The spray could be inhaled up to 48 hours before an expected anthrax attack to temporarily neutralise the agent until a suitable antibiotic can be administered. The technology will be showcased at the world’s biggest biotechnology conference, BIO 2004, beginning in San Francisco today. Full Story