VS-72 was an experimental treatment designed to regenerate cells. It is linked to the initial outbreak and Patient Zero.
VS-72 was being developed as a potential "wonder drug" that would help people heal more quickly. Among the researchers were Professor Ernest Van Ark and Paula Cohen. After ten years of development, trials performed on rats were showing promise with some adult rats regenerating entire limbs. The researchers moved on to clinical trials with humans, with a first test group of fifty people. One person, Patient 29, developed a fever. The researchers examined him but did not think it was serious, so they sent him back home. Patient 29's fever spiked overnight. His wife took him to the hospital, where he seemingly died - only to wake up and bite someone, thus starting the zombie plague.[1]
Doctor Myers later uses a sample of VS-72 to develop a formula that has a temporary slowing effect on fast zombies.[2]
Some of the other patients who took part in the clinical trial of VS-72 eventually experienced unusual side effects. Patient 22, Beth, began growing a vestigial tail.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Season 1 Mission 12: Alternates
- ↑ Season 2 Mission 3: Walking On Broken Glass
- ↑ Season 3 Mission 38: We're Needed