FRIDAY, Feb. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have pinpointed two molecules that show promise against potential bioweapon toxins and could help fill a gap in the United States' bioterrorism defenses.

These molecules appear to be effective against neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, which is one of the six highest-risk bioterrorism agents, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The research, by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in California and the University of Wisconsin, was published this week in the online edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Currently, treatments to counter this threat are expensive and have limited applicability. These newly-identified molecules could help expand protection against botulinum neurotoxins, the researchers say.

"Our study is an important milestone in the fight against biological terrorism," study leader Kim Janda, a Scripps Research scientist, said in a prepared statement.

"These small molecules are the first to show efficacy against this neurotoxin in animal models. Equally important, both have surprisingly simple structures, so their biological activity can be readily optimized. With their different modes of action, they could easily be developed as part of a potent 'cocktail' therapy," Janda said.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about bioterrorism.