HHS sponsors new point-of-care anthrax diagnostics test

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on Monday agreed to sponsor a new point-of-care anthrax diagnostic test.

The 18-month, $2.5 million agreement is through ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

The new test builds upon a similar version developed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contemporary tests require sending samples to a laboratory for analysis, with results available in days. The new compact, portable test could potentially provide the doctors with results in as little as 15 minutes.

Having the results immediately available will help doctors make expedited decisions about the appropriate care and treatment for patients who may have been exposed to anthrax, particularly after a bioterrorism attack.

SRI International of Menlo Park, California, will conduct studies to ensure that the test accurately detects anthrax infections in blood samples. This process is needed to apply for clearance to market the device from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. SRI International will work with DCB Diagnostics and Web Industries of Holliston, Massachusetts, on regulatory, design and manufacturing studies on the test.

The contract itself can be extended for three additional years, with an additional $7.8 million in funding.