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Rapid and Early Detection of Prions

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W81XWH-07-C-0004
Agency Tracking Number: A062-166-0611
Amount: $729,735.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A06-166
Solicitation Number: 2006.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-10-29
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-12-04
Small Business Information
840 Research Parkway Suite 551
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
United States
DUNS: 006312594
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeff Blair
 Research Scientist
 (405) 742-6867
 jeff.blair@okstate.edu
Business Contact
 Gary Cook
Title: Director of Finance and A
Phone: (405) 271-1144
Email: gcook@arlok.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE’s), or prion diseases, are caused by a unique transmissible agent hypothesized to be a misfolded form (PrPD) of a normal host protein (PrPC). We will use chronic wasting disease (CWD) as a model prion agent because of growing concern about this agent, our company is positioned to capitalize on an existing customer base, and CWD has significant biosafety advantages compared to other prion agents. The specific objectives for Phase II are: 1) Select subclones of cell lines developed in Phase I that rapidly produce high levels of PrPD. 2) Define and characterize the selected subclones growth in culture, cell type, immortalization status, and ability to support CWD prion propagation. 3) Optimize detection method and validate detection of CWD prions in a prototype assay design. We will accomplish these objectives by selecting cell lines based solely upon their ability to support prion replication quickly and sensitively. This assay will be used for antemortem diagnosis of prion disease as well as a detection method for prion contamination in blood, food, pharmaceutical supplies, and the environment. This cell-based bioassay for CWD will be a substantial commercial product.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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