HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is sponsoring the development of a genetic sequencing platform that will allow clinicians to more quickly diagnose and treat pandemic influenza and antibiotic-resistant infections.
ASPR's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority has entered an $8.5 million, one-year contract with DNA Electronics of London, which also has offices in Carlsbad, Calif., to further develop and test DNAe's Genalysis sequencing platform. The platform can analyze a sample's genetic code and identify the organism within two to four hours. Currently, sequencing pathogens' genes can take up several days.
"More rapid diagnoses will allow clinicians to ensure the right treatment is given, providing faster care for their patients and potentially curbing the spread of pathogens," said Richard Hatchett, MD, acting director of BARDA. "This platform could help enable a faster and more accurate public health response to pandemic influenza and antibiotic resistant infections."
The contract could be extended for up to four years, totaling $51.9 million.
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