The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded a $6 million contract to Burlingame, Calif.-based Inflammatix Inc. to develop a new testing technology that reads gene expression patterns in the immune system.
The innovative technology, known as host-response testing, is used to distinguish bacterial infections from viral infections and determines the severity within minutes. This will help doctors make earlier, better-informed decisions about whether to treat the infection with or without antibiotics.
“Rapid diagnostics are a cornerstone of our strategy to protect Americans from many bacterial and viral infections; earlier diagnosis can empower patients to take action to reduce disease transmission,” said BARDA Director Rick Bright. “Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to public health and the health security of the United States, and diagnostics that can provide rapid results to patients and doctors will support stewardship of antibiotics and save lives.”
The contract is for 14 months and can be extended through 2027 for $64.9 million to complete the additional work needed to apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
The first Inflammatix test, called HostDx Fever, is intended to help distinguish bacterial from viral infections in outpatient ambulatory settings. The second test, called HostDx Sepsis, is intended for inpatient hospital settings and also may determine whether a patient is likely to develop sepsis. The third test, HostDx FeverFlu, is intended for rapid flu testing.
In addition to the Inflammatix diagnostic test systems, BARDA said it is collaborating with other federal partners to develop other diagnostic tests to identify bacterial pathogens and their susceptibility to specific antibiotics.
BARDA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.