Medical technology company Luminex Corporation has scored a contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The contract potentially is worth up to $11.6 million over three and a half years, and will fund the prototype development of a highly portable, field-deployable diagnostic tool capable of rapidly detecting biothreat agents and patient response biomarkers indicative of systemic disease. The hand-held system will be designed to detect both protein and nucleic acid targets that can diagnose systemic inflammatory response syndrome, a consequence of blood infection in conventional combat operations and biowarfare.

Infection and disease caused by biowarfare agents can lead to catastrophic illness and death. The pathophysiology of biowarfare microbes is varied and may involve multiple organ systems, but there are some common features associated with bloodstream infection that permit the development of a sensitive diagnostic test that not only identifies biowarfare pathogens but also can be use outside of an executed bioagent attack.

“Rapid response and informed decisions on therapeutic options are critical in managing biothreat agent exposure,” said Amy Altman, Ph.D., vice president of Luminex’s biodefense business. “The flexibility and scalability of our multiplexing technology allow for the measurement of RNA, DNA and proteins with the same system, aiding rapid and accurate diagnosis of these severe conditions. Development of a field deployable device using our technology has the potential to provide significant advancement in biothreat detection.”

Fifty-six proposals were received by the DTRA for this project. Established in 1998, the DTRA provides the U.S. Department of Defense’s core intellectual, technical and operational support expertise for countering threats posed by weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) and high-yield explosives.

“Luminex is highly committed to success in the area of biodefense,” said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and CEO of Luminex. “We are pleased that DTRA recognizes the potential contribution our technology can make in the detection of biothreat agents. We look forward to collaborating on this important initiative by developing innovative solutions for combating biothreat agents and protecting the safety of people everywhere.”

Founded in 1995, Luminex develops, manufactures and markets innovative biological testing technologies with applications throughout the diagnostic and life science industries. The company is based in Riverside, Calif.

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