Detecting Dangerous Viruses

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TechLink helped BVS, Inc., of Missoula, Montana, to establish a licensing agreement and CRADA with the Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). These agreements focus on advanced virus screening using ECBC’s integrated virus detection system (IVDS).

Rapid viral screening is critical for effective response to new virus-based threats. Threats range from terrorist attacks with engineered viruses to disease outbreaks in human, plant, and animal populations. Virus outbreaks seriously endanger public health and can even disrupt national economies.

The ECBC technology licensed by BVS rapidly screens for viruses by particle size. The process isolates the suspect viruses, enabling genetic analysis to identify or characterize them. BVS is using the licensed technology to provide state-of-the-art virus screening for government and private-sector customers. This screening focuses on diseases in humans, wildlife, and livestock—such as avian influenza in chickens. Under the CRADA, BVS will contribute to development of a comprehensive viral database at the Army ECBC, which will be used to help protect the US military.