Ricin toxin is a bioterror threat because of its stability and high potency as well as the large worldwide reservoir created as a by-product of castor oil production. Exposure to ricin results in general organ failure leading to death within several days of exposure. The potential use of ricin toxin as a biological weapon of mass destruction (WMD) was highlighted in an FBI terrorism report for 2002-2005, which states that "Ricin and the bacterial agent anthrax are emerging as the most prevalent agents involved in WMD investigations."
There are currently no effective means to prevent the effects of ricin intoxication. The successful development of an effective vaccine against ricin toxin may act as a deterrent against the actual use of ricin as a biological weapon and could be used in rapid deployment scenarios in the event of a biological attack. RiVax would potentially be added to the Strategic National Stockpile and dispensed in the event of a terrorist attack.