What The Hell is NBMI

New Treatment for Heavy Metal Toxicity

Chemistry Professor and Chair Emeritus (University of Kentucky) Boyd E. Haley, PhD (bhaley@ctiscience.com), addressed the increasing levels of heavy metal toxics in our environment. Oxidative stress is the underlying pathology mechanism in degenerative diseases (and many acute as well). Reducing intracellular toxic metal concentrations is the key … but charged molecules (including chelators) are unable to pass through cell membranes. Mercury in mitochondria generates damaging hydroxyl radicals, oxidatively stressing all cells and directly interrupting the porphyrin pathways (possibly leading to decreased solubility, and hence deposition, of beta-amyloid … Alzheimer's!).

Pyridine analog NBMI is a lipid-soluble potent free radical scavenger, developed at the university. Because of its safety and efficacy, patented NBMI has been designated an orphan drug in the European Union and full-approval studies are under way. Mercury scavenging rates are above 99% in virtually any situation, and the compound will not release the toxic metal once bound. ORAC and HORAC scores (the ability to prevent oxidation) are 10-fold higher than the closest other "antioxidant." Glutathione levels are enhanced in those receiving NBMI, improving detoxification mechanisms. A glutathione-toxic metal complex is easily cleared from within cells into plasma and then readily excreted from the body.

Safety parameters are exceptional, with no toxicity demonstrated – and test animals first given double the lethal dose of mercury and then NBMI survived without any harm. NBMI binds with and removes lead and other toxic metals at well – but the binding is so tight that laboratory "challenge testing" is not effective. Arterial endothelial cell membrane damage by mercury (and other toxic metal) compounds is prevented by NBMI pretreatment – similar results are found with organic chemical exposure. The compound enters the cells of all tissues and crosses the blood-brain barrier – then readily leaves the body … with mercury (and hydroxyl radicals or other toxic metals) in hand.

NHANES results from 2006 have shown rising blood mercury levels in Americans, especially over the past decade. American vaccination rates are the highest in the world … and our neonatal and childhood survival rates are embarrassingly low compared with those in other nations. Babies in Minnesota are showing surprisingly elevated mercury concentrations in new reports. Testosterone impairs mercury excretion, while estrogen enhances it, so relative toxicity is gender-related, possibly a significant factor in development of autism. Dental amalgams remain the greatest exposure source, both for the individual and for the developing fetus, according to World Health Organization data. Uses for NBMI might include inhibition of viral infections and other immune enhancement, though clinical studies have not been performed. Those who have difficulty with intake of sulfite (such as sprayed on vegetables at a salad bar or contained in wines) might have a molybdenum deficiency, which should be addressed before NBMI administration. An application is being prepared for the FDA to approve NBMI for eventual marketing in the US.