TIAX, a leading collaborative product and technology development company, was awarded a Phase II contract to continue development of a skin cream that protects users from exposure to chemical agents. The Phase II contract was awarded to TIAX by the Department of Defense Chemical and Biological Defense Small Business Innovative Research program.

This new contract builds on work TIAX began as part of a Phase I contract to develop the initial concept for the cream and establish the efficacy of the neutralizing actives. In Phase II, TIAX intends to develop a Neutralizing Skin Protectant for use in topical formulation prototypes that protect exposed skin from chemical agents while also neutralizing the agents into less toxic products before reaching the skin. Testing by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense will evaluate the efficacy of the formulations against the actual agents.

Currently, the Army equips soldiers at risk for exposure to chemical warfare agents with Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear, including suits, masks, gloves, and boots. Although this gear is designed to protect soldiers from head to toe, there can be gaps in protection if the equipment does not fit correctly or is not fully secured. As a result, any exposed skin is vulnerable to contamination. The decontaminating skin cream developed by TIAX will be used to seal off these exposed areas. It will be applied to the soldier before he or she enters into a potentially hazardous situation. If the soldier is exposed to a CWA, the cream protects the skin by both dissolving and neutralizing the agent. This dual action chemical process is the very first of its kind.

Sergyi Way
24.07.2006

www.army-guide.com

Soldiers using cosmetics? That's interesting.