Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) announced that its subsidiary DynPort Vaccine, in conjunction with Baxter Healthcare, has initiated a Phase I clinical trial for plasma-derived butyrylcholinesterase, or BioScavenger, which is being developed to prevent and possibly treat effects of exposure to certain chemical nerve agents.

Butyrylcholinesterase is a protein found in human blood plasma that has been shown in preclinical research to inhibit toxicity from organophosphorous chemical warfare agents, including sarin, soman and VX.

The trial is evaluating the safety of butyrylcholinesterase in 40 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. The randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial is under way in the U.S.

DVC is conducting the trial for the Department of Defense Medical Identification and Treatment Systems under a contract awarded in 2005. The candidate protein used in the clinical trial was developed, manufactured, characterized and preclinically tested by Baxter. If the Phase I clinical trial and subsequent development activities are successful, Baxter will hold the FDA license and have responsibility for supplying stockpile orders.