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CCACBWA Announces Publication of Groundbreaking Cyanide Antidote Research in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology(IF: 3.6)

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The Center for Countermeasures Against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents (CCACBWA) is proud to announce the publication of its landmark research on Sodasulphanecobalamin (SSC) , a novel cobalt‑sulfur complex that provides rapid cyanide detoxification and hemodynamic rescue in a rat model of acute cyanide poisoning. The study has been accepted for publication in the prestigious journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. About the Research Cyanide poisoning remains a critical medical emergency, with high lethality occurring within minutes of exposure. Current antidotes such as hydroxocobalamin and nitrite‑thiosulfate therapy have significant limitations, including delayed onset, methemoglobinemia, or the need for multiple agents. Sodasulphanecobalamin (SSC) addresses these challenges through a dual‑action mechanism: Cobalt‑mediated chelation: Rapidly binds free cyanide ions to form non‑toxic complexes Sulfur‑donor detoxification: Converts cyanide to thiocyanate (SCN⁻) for ren...
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Thrilled to share our latest research breakthrough!

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We are incredibly proud to announce that our manuscript has been accepted forpublication in Frontiers in Nutrition! 🎉 Title: A Novel Formulation of Multi-Vitamin Fortified Beverage with Natural Antioxidant by Nano-Hybrid Encapsulation for Hydration and Immune Support The Challenge: With rising global temperatures, chronic dehydration is a growing risk—especially in the Gulf, Sahara, and Sub-Saharan regions. We set out to create a functional beverage that does more than just rehydrate. Our Solution: 🔬 A stable nanoemulsion (droplet size of 89.3 nm) that successfully combines both water-soluble (Vitamins C & B₂) and fat-soluble (Vitamins D₃ & E) vitamins—a notorious formulation challenge. 🧪 A non-conventional sequential mixing process that preserves >94% of vitamins over 12 weeks. 🌿 Incorporation of Rosmarinic Acid as a natural antioxidant (with validated Nrf2/HO-1 activation and anti-inflammatory properties). This work bridges food nanotechnology with public health,...
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A Novel Non‑Cyanide Dried Cassava Mash (DCM) as a Potential Functional Food Ingredient: Immunomodulatory Activity and Subacute Toxicity Assessment

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Cassava is a major food crop for over 800 million people worldwide, but it contains natural toxins (cyanogenic glycosides) and is often viewed as only a source of calories. In this study, we produced a specially processed, cyanide‑free dried cassava mash (DCM) and tested whether it could safely improve immune function. We found that DCM contained no detectable cyanide, no harmful bacteria or heavy metals, and met all food safety standards. When given to mice for 8 days, DCM increased the number of immune cells in the spleen (a key immune organ) by 15% and enhanced the production of two important immune messengers – IL‑2 and IFN‑γ – which help the body fight viruses and other intracellular pathogens. Importantly, it did not cause unwanted allergic or immunosuppressive responses. A separate 28‑day safety study in rats showed no adverse effects on body weight, blood cells, liver, or kidneys, even at high doses. These results suggest that properly processed cassava can be more than just ...
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CCACBWA SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TURKISH PARTNER FOR GROUNDBREAKING CHEMICAL DEFENSE RESEARCH

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LAGOS, NIGERIA – March 2026 – The Center for Countermeasures Against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents (CCACBWA) is pleased to announce the formalization of a major international research collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Prof. Dr. Levent Kenar, Chairman of the CBRN Defence Policy Development Society in Ankara, Turkey. This strategic partnership unites Nigerian and Turkish scientific expertise in pursuit of a common goal: advancing the development of novel medical countermeasures against chemical warfare agents. The collaboration is structured around a joint proposal submitted to the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) under Broad Agency Announcement HDTRA1-25-5-0001, Thrust Area 1: Fundamental Science for Chemical and Biological Defense. The Project: SodaSulphaneocobalamin The research initiative, titled "SodaSulphaneocobalamin: A Novel Cobalt(III)-Polysulfide Platform for Broad-Spectrum Neutralization of Chemical Warfare...
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Statement Delivered on behalf of the Center for Countermeasures against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents, CCACBWA, for the CSP-30 of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons- “Bridging Scientific Innovation and Global Chemical Security” 24 – 28th November, 2025. Hague, Netherlands

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Dear Mr. Chairperson, the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Excellencies, distinguished diplomats, NGO colleagues, and Ladies and Gentlemen The Center for Countermeasures against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents (CCACBWA) proposes to make a significant and timely contribution to CSP-30 by addressing a critical gap in the global chemical security architecture, a gap made more urgent by recent allegations of chemical weapons use. Our contribution is framed not as a political accusation, but as a practical, scientific, and humanitarian response to the evolving nature of chemical threats, including those posed by their alleged abuse by state and non-state actors. 1. Providing a Scientific and Humanitarian Solution in a Politicized Environment Amidst concerning reports from conflict zones—such as the alleged use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine and the deployment of toxic chemicals by Israel in Gaza—the international disarmament comm...
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Scientific Breakthrough Paves the Way for a "Universal Antidote"

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C enter for Countermeasures against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents, CCACBWA Researchers have created a new, single treatment that acts as a rapid and safe countermeasure against multiple chemical and biological threats, including cyanide, nerve agents, and mustard gas, offering a powerful new tool for emergency preparedness." In a world where chemical threats pose a significant risk to public safety and military personnel, the search for effective, rapid, and safe countermeasures is more critical than ever. Current treatments are often agent-specific, slow-acting, or carry their own risks. Today, a new study from our researchers announces a promising solution: a single, multifunctional agent capable of neutralizing a wide range of these deadly threats. What is the Discovery? Our team at the Center for Countermeasures Against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents (CCACBWA) has successfully synthesized and tested a new molecule named SodaSulphanecobalamin. This novel ...
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Toxic Chemicals of Biological Origin: A Synthetic Biology Perspective

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1.1 Introduction to Bioengineered Toxins Toxins represent a diverse class of biologically derived poisonous substances that have been weaponized throughout history. From a synthetic biology standpoint, these molecules offer both challenges and opportunities as we examine them through the lens of programmable biological systems. Modern synthetic biology approaches allow us to: Decouple toxin production from native organisms through heterologous expression systems Engineer novel toxin variants with tailored properties Develop precisely controlled delivery mechanisms Create orthogonal detection and countermeasure systems 1.2 Ricin: From Natural Product to Engineered Bioweapon 1.2.1 Synthetic Production Systems Ricin's glycoprotein structure (64 kDa) makes it an ideal candidate for recombinant production. Current synthetic biology approaches include: Expression Platforms: Yeast (Pichia pastoris) systems for eukaryotic glycosylation Cell-free protein synthesis for rapid prototy...
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