MBio Diagnostics, Boulder, Colo, and SRI International, Menlo Park, Calif, have entered into two contracts to develop tests related to homeland security on the MBio Diagnostics platform. MBio is a subcontractor on SRI programs sponsored by the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
Chris Myatt, PhD, MBio Diagnostics.
The first contract focuses on development of a novel multimarker blood test for diagnosing human radiation exposure. In the event of an unanticipated radiologic or nuclear incident, large numbers of people could be exposed to radiation that may lead to severe health consequences. To rapidly triage large numbers of people and determine who needs immediate treatment, the government is investing in easily operated screening technologies. SRI is partnering with MBio to establish feasibility of the multimarker blood test on the MBio platform.
The second contract is to investigate the feasibility of detecting anthrax infections from biomarkers in human blood samples. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a bacterial infection; the infectious agent that causes anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, has been used as a biological weapon. A rapid anthrax test could be used in locations close to the patient, such as hospital emergency rooms, local health clinics, and potentially at the patient’s bedside or by first responders.
“We are very happy to have the opportunity to do this important work for SRI International for the US government’s ultimate use,” says Chris Myatt, PhD, CEO of MBio. “MBio’s LightDeck platform is ideally suited for this type of scenario: rapid point-of-care testing that’s both cost-effective and easily conducted by field personnel.”
For more information, visit MBio Diagnostics and SRI International.
Featured image: Courtesy MBio Diagnostics.
