Kentucky is known for many things. Wildcat Basketball, The Kentucky Derby and pretty much anything else to do with horses, bourbon whiskey and tobacco. As it turns out, the latter is part of a life saving event.
By now I'm sure everyone who's anyone has heard about the two Americans who returned from Africa infected with the deadly Ebola virus. As of today, there is no known cure for the Virus and this is where the GREAT stat of Kentucky comes in.
It is being reported by multiple media outlets that the drug that is potentially saving the two Americans lives was produced right here in the Bluegrass State, Owensboro to be exact. The drug known as Zmapp was derived from a genetically modified ( I'll keep my opinion on GMO products to myself in this instance) tobacco plant in Owensboro. The company responsible for this potential life saving serum is known as Kentucky BioProcessing and has been working on the serum since 2007 when the U.S. Department of Defense contacted them about developing a drug to be used post-exposure to Ebola.
It should also be noted, that since the two Ebola patients have received doses of the Kentucky produced drug, "Zmapp" they have shown significant signs of improvement.
This is an interesting story and one that needs to be closely watched. Once again, Kentucky gets it done.
We wish nothing but the best for ALL of those who are fighting this deadly virus and NO MATTER where the drug was produced, let's just hope it works as it would be the only known cure in history.
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