Under the CRADA, Morphotek will apply its proprietary MORPHODOMA technology to develop fully human antibodies that can specifically target high priority pathogenic agents as well as employ its DIRECT-LINE technology to develop evolved human epithelial cells that are naturally resistant to biological pathogens for discovery and product development.
USAMRIID will provide its expertise in characterizing and evaluating lead antibodies and antimicrobial compounds for specificity and therapeutic efficacy.
"Government/private collaborations have served as the cornerstone for successful research and development efforts covering a broad array of products," said George V. Ludwig, Ph.D., interim science director for USAMRIID.
"Our collaboration with Morphotek promises to serve as a prime example of how these relationships can be focused toward developing solutions to critical biodefense problems that will ultimately benefit the nation."
"Scientists at USAMRIID have recognized the unique potential of our technology to develop effective novel antimicrobial and antiviral molecules as well as fully human antibodies that can detect and treat individuals exposed to toxic pathogens," said Dr. Nicholas C. Nicolaides, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morphotek.
"This collaboration will yield lead molecules that will ultimately be pursued in clinical trials to demonstrate utility as therapeutic agents as well as field tested to demonstrate their utility in early-stage detection of biowarfare agents for military and civilian applications."