The Multi-Threat Medical Countermeasure (
MTMC) hypothesis has been proposed with the aim of developing a single countermeasure
drug with efficacy against different pathologies caused by multiple classes of
chemical warfare agents. Although sites and mechanisms of action and the pathologies caused by different chemical insults vary, common biochemical signaling pathways, molecular mediators, and cellular processes provide targets for
MTMC drugs. This article will review the
MTMC hypothesis for
blister and
nerve agents and will expand the scope of the concept to include other chemicals as well as briefly consider
biological agents. The article will also consider how common biochemical signaling pathways, molecular mediators, and cellular processes that contribute to clinical pathologies and syndromes may relate to the toxicity of threat agents. Discovery of
MTMC provides the opportunity for the integration of diverse researchers and clinicians, and for the exploitation of cutting-edge technologies and
drug discovery. The broad-spectrum nature of
MTMC can augment military and civil defense to combat chemical warfare and chemical terrorism.