Scientists’ help sought in tracking anthrax

Pentagon officials Thursday asked microbiologists for help in tracking samples of anthrax the Army shipped to at least 51 labs in 17 U.S. states and three foreign countries.

Researchers at the Dugway Proving Ground biological lab in Utah thought the samples they shipped had been killed, but at least one lab said the anthrax contained live spores.

On Wednesday, the Pentagon said the number of labs known to have received live samples of anthrax could rise.

The Defense Department’s request to the American Society for Microbiology, which the group emailed to members, indicates how far from complete the Pentagon investigation might be. it. None voted to approve it without such a program.

The drug’s benefits are marginal, panelists said, but meaningful for some patients. Serious side effects include the risk of fainting at unpredictable times, accidental injury and low blood pressure.

The FDA, which has twice rejected the drug flibanserin, typically follows the advice of its advisory panels.

The drug, developed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, works differently from Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. Flibanserin acts on the brain, while Viagra affects blood flow to the genitals.

Risk management measures suggested by the panel included establishment of a patient registry and more safety studies. unit from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina died when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed. The pilots were among those killed.