A Concept of a Probable Autoinjector for Bio-threat Agents

R.V. Geetha; Anitha Roy; S. Senthilkumar; A.S.B. Bhaskar; R. Vijayaraghavan

doi:10.14429/dsj.66.10699

R.V. Geetha !Saveetha University, Chennai
Anitha Roy !Saveetha University, Chennai
S. Senthilkumar !Saveetha University, Chennai
A.S.B. Bhaskar Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior
R. Vijayaraghavan !Saveetha University, Chennai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.66.10699

Keywords: Autoinjector, bio-threat agents, amikacin, oxidative stress

Abstract

Chemical and biological weapons can be used during conflicts and by terrorists to injure or kill humans and animals. Chemical weapons contain toxic chemicals and biological weapons contain pathogenic organisms. With proper protective equipments and training, the lethal effects of chemical and biological warfare agents can be minimised. First aid kit is available that contain detection, decontamination and medical protection for chemical warfare agents including autoinjectors, for rapid administration and faster absorption of drugs. The autoinjectors are safe and available for life saving drugs like atropine sulphate and pralidoxime chloride (nerve agent poisoning), epinephrine (anaphylaxis), diazepam (seizures) and sumatriptan (migraine). For bio-threat agents doxycycline alone is available as a broad spectrum antibiotic in the first aid kit. Majority of the bacterial agents are gram negative and hence amikacin drug cartridge was developed for the existing autoinjector. The advantage of amikacin is its safety, stability, can be given prophylactically and supplemented with other antibiotics when medical attention arrives. The usability and tolerability of amikacin administered repeatedly through autoinjector was studied using various haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in animal models. The results are promising and as there is no antibiotic autoinjector available, amikacin autoinjector can be considered for bio-threat agents.

Author Biographies

R.V. Geetha, !Saveetha University, Chennai

Mrs R.V Geetha completed her MSc (Medical Microbiology) from Dr ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras. She is pursuing for her PhD at Saveetha University. Presently Working as Reader in the Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. She has published 30 papers in the journals.

Anitha Roy, !Saveetha University, Chennai

Mrs Anitha Roy has completed her MPharm from Dr Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar. She is pursuing for her PhD at Saveetha University. She is presently Reader in the Department of Pharmacology at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. She has published about 25 papers in the journals.

S. Senthilkumar, !Saveetha University, Chennai

Dr S. Senthilkumar obtained his PhD (Biochemistry) from University of Madras and pursued postdoctoral research training in Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, Greifswald, Germany followed by Iowa State University and Stanford University, USA respectively. He is currently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Research and Development, Saveetha University. He has published about 20 research papers in the journals.

A.S.B. Bhaskar, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior

Dr A.S.B. Bhaskar obtained his MSc and PhD in Biochemistry from Jiwaji University, Gwalior. Presently working as Scientist ‘F’ in Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, DRDE, Gwalior. He has 39 publications in national and international journals, one design patent, and one copyright. He has 24 years of research experience in diverse areas of research that includes natural toxins, chemical warfare agents, flow cytometry, molecular mechanisms in toxicology. He contributed in design and development of Autoinjectors and First Aid Kit for NBC emergency therapeutic use.

R. Vijayaraghavan, !Saveetha University, Chennai

Dr R. Vijayaraghavan obtained his MSc and PhD in Medical Pharmacology. Presently he is working as Director-Research at Saveetha University, Chennai. He has about 250 research publications in reputed journals and about 60 patents, copyrights and designs. He has received DRDO Agni Award of Excellence in Self Reliance - 2004 and DRDO Titanium Trophy - 2007. He has developed several products, viz., Personal decontamination kit, reusable autoinjectors, first aid kit for CBW agents, and insect repellents.