HHS sponsors next-generation genetic sequencing platform

ASPR announced that it is supporting the development a next-generation genetic sequencing platform that could help speed the response to pandemic influenza and curb antibiotic resistance. The technology would be able to determine the genetic code of a sample and identify the organism within two to four hours. Learn More >>

HHS sponsors next-generation genetic sequencing platform

Could help curb spread of pandemic influenza and antibiotic-resistant infections

To help curb the spread of pandemic influenza and antibiotic-resistant infections, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced today it is advancing the development of a next-generation genetic sequencing platform. This is the first next-generation genetic sequencing platform supported by ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

Next-generation sequencing describes technology that has enabled DNA and RNA to be read much more quickly than the previously used Sanger sequencing method.

Under a $8.5 million, one-year contract with ASPR’s BARDA, DNA Electronics (DNAe) of London, United Kingdom, and Carlsbad, California, will advance the development of its Genalysis sequencing platform, which determines the genetic code of a sample and identifies the organism within two to four hours. This information enables clinicians treating infected patients to anticipate antimicrobial resistance associated with the bacteria or diagnose the specific strain of influenza virus.

Under this contract, DNAe will perform additional development and testing of its platform. The contract could be extended for up to a total of $51.9 million and four years. This testing will support the company’s applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for clearances of the platform for a series of applications.

“More rapid diagnoses will allow clinicians to ensure the right treatment is being given, providing faster care for their patients and potentially curbing the spread of pathogens,” said Dr. Richard Hatchett, acting director of BARDA. “This platform could help enable a faster and more accurate public health response to pandemic influenza and antibiotic resistant infections.”

The Genalysis sequencing platform could be used by healthcare and public health laboratories and hospital emergency clinics to sequence the genes of pathogens in patient samples. The machine then compares that information to a reference database being developed to determine the pathogens present in the samples and their resistance to particular drugs. Currently, obtaining that information can take several days and must be performed by experts.

BARDA plans to couple this platform with another technology BARDA already is sponsoring that produces purified samples for testing and genomic analysis from a blood draw, nasal swab or other samples. The combination of these technologies may one day allow clinicians to identify pathogens by testing blood or other fluids from an infected patient without needing the sophisticated training required to operate genomic sequencers, potentially bringing this capability closer to patients’ point-of-care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that a flu pandemic in the U.S. could result in between 89,000 and 207,000 deaths, and could cost the economy $71.3 billion to $166.5 billion. Additionally, the CDC estimates that more than 2 million people per year suffer antibiotic resistant infections in the U.S. resulting in more than 23,000 deaths.

Advancing the development of this next-generation genetic sequencing platform technology is part of ASPR/BARDA’s comprehensive integrated portfolio approach for advanced research and development, innovation, acquisition, and manufacturing of vaccines, drugs, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products for public health emergency threats. In addition to antimicrobial resistant pathogens and pandemic influenza, these threats include emerging infectious diseases, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.

ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security. HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

To learn more about ASPR and preparedness, response and recovery from the health impacts of disasters, visit the HHS public health and medical emergency website, phe.gov.