The Trump administration has partnered with the pharmaceutical company MediWound to develop a treatment for injuries caused by mustard gas, which was first used in World War I but officials worry could be used by terrorists.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the $43 million partnership with the Israeli company to develop a skin treatment for injuries on Monday. Currently, there are no treatments available for mustard gas approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
“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 Developmental Authority, a part of HHS.
Mustard gas can damage the skin, eyes and lungs. “Skin exposure to sulfur mustard can cause redness and blistering, similar to a second- or third-degree burn,” HHS said in a release. “The damage is slow to heal and can lead to scarring. Severe exposure can be fatal.”
Terrorists, most notably the Islamic State, have reportedly used mustard gas before in attacks.
