Next-generation broad-spectrum reactivators for effective countermeasure against organophosphorus poisoning
Sustained effort has been dedicated to the development of novel cholinesterase reactivators-the only causal antidotes-to counter organophosphorus (OP) intoxication. As more lethal nerve agents-such as A-agents-continue to emerge, the existing arsenal of causal antidotes remains unchanged. Approved oxime reactivators-2-PAM, HI-6, and LüH-6-are restricted by their limited efficacy spectrum, poor blood-brain barrier permeability, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. The objective of this study is to design, synthesize, and characterize a new class of asymmetric monoquaternary bisoxime reactivators with broad-spectrum reactivation potential, favorable pharmacokinetics, and dual mechanisms of action-cholinesterase reactivation and direct OP compound degradation. In vitro and in vivo experiments identified LG-1795 as the lead candidate with the broadest OP spectrum. The averaged second-order reactivation constant (k<sub>r2</sub>) across five hAChE-OP and two hBChE-OP complexes was 16.8 mM<sup>-1</sup> min<sup>-1</sup>, surpassing clinical standards. Notably, LG-1795 reactivated both AChE and BChE, a dual activity not previously reported for reactivators. In vivo, LG-1795 restored both cholinesterase enzymes and demonstrated prophylactic efficacy against GB, VX, and PXE following intramuscular administration, preventing symptoms in sarin-poisoned animals. These findings represent a significant advance in antidotal therapy, providing the first evidence that asymmetric monoquaternary bisoximes deliver broad-spectrum efficacy against nerve agents and pesticides while simultaneously targeting both OP-inhibited cholinesterases. The translational potential of LG-1795 supports its further preclinical development as a next-generation countermeasure for both clinical and regulatory use in chemical defense.
Authors
- Jaroslav Pejchal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2228-7922)
- Lukáš Górecki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4791-6556)
- Jan Marek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3708-0967)
- Franz Worek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3531-3616)
- Jana Žďárová Karasová (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0891-9591)
- Gabriele Horn
- Natálie Živná
- Jaroslav Chládek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9052-6318)
- Alžběta Dlabková (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8929-2262)
- Martina Hrabinová (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9428-4109)
- Valeria Sheshko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1344-2735)
- Jan Korábečný (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6977-7596)
- Jakub Opravil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5598-9125)
- Jakub Fibigar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5170-3668)
- Monika Schmidt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4984-9155)
- Carilyn Torruellas
- Vendula Hepnarová
- Daniel Jun
- Ondrej Soukup
- Tomas Kucera
- Natalie Vanova
- Lukas Prchal
- Zbynek Vecera
Institutions
- DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (US)
- Charles University (CZ)
- United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (US)
- Universität der Bundeswehr München (DE)
- U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (US)
- University Hospital Hradec Králové (CZ)
- University of Defence (RS)
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr
Publication Details
- Journal
- Archives of Toxicology
- Published
- 2026-03-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-026-04341-y
- Primary Topic
- Pesticide Exposure and Toxicity
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Grantová Agentura České Republiky
- Ministerstvo Obrany České Republiky