The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is accepting submissions from therapeutic developers for preclinical testing services to advanced botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) therapeutics and help bolster national preparedness against biological threats.
Demonstrating a therapeutic candidate’s effectiveness can be challenging due to the costs associated with testing. The BoNT-CTSS studies will be performed confidentially by one of BARDA’s nonclinical network providers at no cost to participants. While no direct financial support is available through this testing service, control data and product-specific data will be shared with participants and can be published in collaboration with BARDA.
Candidate therapeutics selected for testing will be evaluated for efficacy against up to four BoNT serotypes in preclinical pre- and/or post-intoxication models of botulism.
Candidates may include small molecules, antibodies, and other biologics, and study designs will be discussed in collaboration with the developer. After evaluation in BoNT-CTSS, candidates of interest could be considered for advanced development by BARDA.
BARDA will accept candidates on an ongoing basis. Researchers from academic institutions, industry, and government institutions are eligible to apply.
Additional information about this program, including a full list of eligibility requirements, is available at BARDA’s CBRN Antivirals and Antitoxins Medical Countermeasures Program webpage.
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