STO-Activities: (no title)
Activity title:
Pre-Symptomatic Detection of Biological Exposures
Activity Reference:
HFM-367
Panel:
HFM
Security Classification:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Status:
Active
Activity type:
RTG
Start date:
2023-11-28T00:00:00Z
Actual End date:
2026-11-28T00:00:00Z
Keywords:
Biological detection, Biological exposure, CBRN, Diagnostics, Hostbased biomarkers, Minimallyinvasive sampling, Presymptomatic
Background:
In an effort to prevent the negative effects of infection and subsequent transmission among the warfighter population, efforts are currently underway to develop methods for the detection of biological exposures during the pre-symptomatic window. Current diagnostic and surveillance protocols/techniques are only suitable during the syndromic phase of an infectious disease, which makes effective containment of the disease nearly impossible to perform. As witnessed during the early phases of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of preparedness and poor response to an outbreak of infectious disease can put the Force at an extreme disadvantage by diminishing warfighting capacity and capability. This event is a reminder of the necessity for an early warning device that enables the Force to identify infections in the warfighter and implement mitigation strategies.
In accordance with the findings and objectives of this exploratory team, the Research Task Group (RTG) activity aims to develop a threat-agnostic method that monitors biomarkers and will enable the Force to perform screening of the warfighter population to identify infection prior to spread and subsequent loss of capability.
Objectives:
The proposed RTG efforts will aim to identify and evaluate candidate technologies that will detect exposure to a biological agent before symptoms appear. The approach to meet this objective will consist of thorough planning and preparation, technological development to meet desired characteristics, and effective implementation and incorporation of the technology to deliver the maximum benefit to the Alliance. The candidate technology will ideally possess the following characteristics:
- Fieldable (point-of-need), low-burden, small pocketable device
- Readily-accessible by the end user
- Rapid response (~15 min)
- Minimally invasive: breath, saliva, sweat, capillary blood, urine, nasal swab
- No outside power source requirement
- No cold chain requirements, temperature-stable in operational environments
- No sample preparation
- Minimum training requirements
- Non-destructive sampling (i.e. the sample collected can also be stored)
Topics:
The scientific topics below will serve as guides during the RTG activities that will ultimately lead to the delivery of a candidate technology to achieve pre-symptomatic detection of biological exposure:
1. Collection of relevant samples:
o Identify the most appropriate source of sample material.
o Timing of sample collection.
2. Biomarker discovery:
o Biased vs. unbiased approaches.
o Down-selection of biomarkers to accommodate candidate technologies.
3. Verification:
o Verify the choice of biomarkers with pre-symptomology.
o Initial prototypes should have defined sensitivity and specificity.
4. Assay Development:
o Evaluate existing and emerging testing platforms.
5. Clinical Evaluation:
o Work with participants to down-select and validate potential assays in vivo.
o Synchronize relevant information and records with existing Alliance medical intelligence architecture.
- Conduct sample collection, testing, and storage in accordance with regulatory oversight standards to support potential future approval.
- Standardize an analysis plan for all testing that is done during the RTG activities between participant nations.
- Identify the age group of individuals from which samples will be collected.
- Model the effectiveness of successful implementation.
Contact:
Open2Partners:
Title:
Created at 12/03/2024 14:00 by System Account
Last modified at 16/05/2024 20:00 by System Account
Go back to list
Home(NATO STO)