We propose to develop a highly sensitive and rapid point-of-care nucleic acid test based on IQuum's lab-in-a-tube (Liat"""""""") platform for the diagnosis of patients with dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever from whole blood samples. The Liat Dengue Assay will utilize the Liat Analyzer to enable the minimally trained personnel to perform the dengue infection test at a hospital, clinic or physician's office in less than 1 hour. By enabling effective and sensitive dengue infection testing, we expect that the Liat assay will allow clinicians to quickly diagnose patients with dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever and initiate appropriate treatments. The Liat Dengue Assay overcomes the limitations of current dengue infection tests, whose long turnaround time and technical complexity requires testing to be performed in centralized laboratories, resulting in missed opportunities for disease treatment or the continued use of ineffective treatment regimens. The assay will also be among the first near patient nucleic acid tests, and will provide significant benefit to patient health and welfare, as well as enhance the preparedness for this emerging disease. In Phase I, we propose to transfer the Liat Dengue Assay to manufacturing and perform analytical sensitivity and specificity studies. In Phase II, we propose to complete the analytical studies, develop and validate manufacturing processes for the Liat Dengue Assay, and conduct clinical sample study to validate the assay. At the conclusion of the pre-clinical and analytical studies, we will submit a pre-investigational device exemption (pre-IDE) to the FDA in preparation for expanded clinical study of the Liat Dengue Assay for 510(K) market clearance.

Public Health Relevance

By enabling effective and sensitive dengue infection testing, the Liat"""""""" Dengue Assay will allow clinicians to quickly diagnose patients with dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever. The Liat Dengue Assay overcomes the limitations of current dengue infection tests, whose long turnaround time and technical complexity requires testing to be performed in centralized laboratories, resulting in missed opportunities for disease treatment or the continued use of ineffective treatment regimens. The assay will also be among the first near patient nucleic acid tests, and will provide significant benefit to patient health and welfare, as well as to enhance the preparedness for this emerging disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
4R44AI085892-02
Application #
8288382
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-P (12))
Program Officer
Cassetti, Cristina
Project Start
2010-09-01
Project End
2013-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$942,026
Indirect Cost
Name
Iquum, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
125606017
City
Marlborough
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01752