Drug helps monkeys, rabbits beat anthrax virus

CHICAGO: An experimental antibody treatment helped rabbits and monkeys survive a deadly dose of anthrax bacteria and proved safe in humans, too, researchers at Human Genome Sciences said on Wednesday.

The treatment, ABthrax or raxibacumab, works by preventing toxins produced by anthrax bacteria from causing cell damage and death.

It is designed to work with antibiotics to improve the chances of survival in people infected with anthrax, a deadly bacteria that is a top choice as a biological weapon because it can be made into a fine, airborne powder.