Flaviviruses (including dengue virus) are the most common vector-borne human viral pathogens worldwide. Nearly 40% of the world’s population is at risk of dengue virus infection, with nearly 400 million infections occurring each year, resulting in an estimated 20,000 deaths. There is currently an unmet need for a non-invasive, sensitive, and accurate point-of-care assay to quantify flavivirus-specific antibody immunity.

Dengue_Virus_Particles_(53231916461)

Source: NIAID

Transmission electron micrograph of dengue virus particles (green). Micrograph courtesy of CDC; colorization and visual effects by NIAID.

In addition, the only currently available dengue virus vaccine is only recommended for use in individuals with preexisting dengue virus antibodies. Therefore, a rapid, non-invasive antibody test to assess flavivirus immunity would enable safer, more accurate vaccine administration in settings where venipuncture is not feasible.

This technology is a saliva-based assay that rapidly, accurately, and noninvasively assesses flavivirus immunity by measuring multiple antibody classes in saliva. Saliva is collected via an absorbent swab and a separate proprietary protein-stabilization solution. The collection method is uncomplicated and can be self-performed.

Once collected and placed in the stabilizer solution, the saliva is stable at room temperature for several days, for weeks at 4 °C, or indefinitely below -20 °C.

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Testing the saliva sample uses a diagnostic instrument and a custom-designed flavivirus antigen panel. The assay can assess the specificity of homotypic humoral immune responses to dengue viruses (1-4), Zika virus, and JE virus, as well as distinguish individuals with polytypic dengue virus immunity from those who have previously experienced both dengue virus and Zika virus infections.

Factfile

  • Easy to use, can be self-administered without advanced training.
  • Non-invasive.
  • Rapid.
  • Accurate.
  • Can differentiate a variety of factors.
  • The primary application for this technology is the treatment of flaviviruses such as the dengue virus.

Intellectual Property Summary: Know-How Based.

Stage of Development: TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential: This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in the development of therapeutics for flaviviruses, including:
•    Pharmaceutical companies.
•    Hospitals.
•    Medical research laboratories.
•    Universities.
•    Humanitarian organizations.

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