OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have received a $1.9 million grant to develop a new therapy for members of the military exposed to nerve agents.

Nerve agents, which can be deadly, are often made from some of the same chemicals as insecticides.

The researchers plan to develop a therapy based on a molecule that exists in human plasma that already works to deactivate nerve agents in the blood.

Dr. Steven Hinrichs and Oksana Lockridge are the main researchers on the Defense Department project.

Hinrichs says the idea is for soldiers to use the medication before going into an area where nerve agents would be used to provide protection.