Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Threads
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Subscribe
    • Featured News
    • Funding
    • Directory
    • Jobs
    • Events
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Biodetection

    Safer Screening for Ebola Virus by Testing Saliva

    By Global Biodefense StaffDecember 4, 2014
    Share
    Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email

    Ceres Nanosciences Inc. this week announced the commencement of a development program, funded by the Gates Foundation, to use Ceres’ Nanotrap particle technology to develop a new method of detecting the presence of the Ebola virus in saliva.

    During the four-month performance of this program, Ceres will work in close collaboration with George Mason University and the United States Army Medical Research Institutes of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) to assess the ability of the Nanotrap technology to develop a more sensitive and safer Ebola virus detection method that uses saliva instead of blood.

    The Nanotrap technology was invented at George Mason under funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for biomarker discovery applications and is being developed into commercial products by Ceres with continuing support from NIH, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    The combined team of Ceres, Mason and USAMRIID will bring forward world-class research capabilities and resources to execute this project on a rapid schedule to address the dire need for better testing methods for Ebola.

    “Detection and confirmation of the Ebola virus is limited by issues inherent in collecting blood samples for testing,” says Ross Dunlap, CEO of Ceres. “These include exposure risk, lack of adequately trained personnel, sample storage requirements, and, in some cases, cultural objections toward blood collection. The potential increased sensitivity afforded by Nanotrap sample processing in saliva could enable safer, earlier and more accurate detection and response during an outbreak.”

    “The effective detection of Ebola, using a noninvasive sample collection method, such as saliva collection, coupled with a highly sensitive diagnostic test, all enabled by our Nanotrap particle technology, presents a very compelling solution for rapid identification of infected individuals at an earlier stage of infection,” says Emanuel Petricoin, codirector of the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine at Mason and cofounder of Ceres.

    Ceres receives $430,000 in funding for the Ebola test development program from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

    Source: Cerces Nanosciences press release, adapted. Nanotrap is a registered, protected term of Cerces.

    Biomarkers Ebola Emerging Threats
    Share. Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleHealthcare-Associated Spread of MERS-CoV
    Next Article CDC: Potentially Severe Flu Season This Year

    Related Stories

    First Light Diagnostics Receives FDA Clearance for Rapid Anthrax Test

    December 5, 2023

    Needle-Free Vaccine Patch Against Zika Virus

    December 2, 2023

    Valley Fever: An Invisible Killer Expands Its Range in the American West

    November 17, 2023

    Inflammatix Completes Development for Acute Infection and Sepsis Test System

    November 15, 2023
    News Scan

    Biodefense Headlines – 30 November 2023

    News Scan November 30, 2023

    News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense This week’s selections include the largest ever outbreak of mpox in the DRC; launch of National Wastewater Surveillance Program dashboard; low uptake of COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines;…

    Upcoming Events

    Dec 5
    10:45 am - 3:00 pm EST

    Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health

    Dec 6
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    6:00 am - 7:00 am EST

    AMR One Health Priority Research Agenda: Transmission

    Mar 12
    Virtual Event Hybrid Event
    March 12, 2024 - March 17, 2024

    2024 Fungal Genetics Conference

    Mar 21
    March 21, 2024 - March 23, 2024

    ASPPH 2024 Annual Meeting

    View Calendar

    Subscribe to Global Biodefense

    Get the latest news on pathogens and preparedness

    News on pathogens and preparedness for public health emergencies

    © 2023 Stemar Media Group LLC
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.