Courtagen Life Sciences Inc. has entered into a strategic collaboration with Tetracore Inc. to develop a next-generation biothreat assay for identifying and diagnosing high priority biological agents in clinical and environmental samples. Some of the target agents include those which cause significant diseases such as anthrax and plague, as well as dangerous toxins such as ricin and botulinum. The combined effort will focus on addressing the critical need to quickly and accurately identify the pathogen while also quantifying the magnitude of the potential threat.

The collaboration provides validation of the Courtagen protein diagnostic technology by a recognized leader in diagnostic reagents and assays for infectious diseases and biological warfare threat agents. Together the two companies will pursue a first in class solution that could enable the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and other Federal biodefense programs to achieve their goal of developing biothreat point-of-care diagnostic countermeasures.

"The sensitivity, accuracy and ease of use of Courtagen’s Avantra Q400 Protein Biomarker Technology combined with Tetracore’s biothreat assay expertise will for the first time enable the creation of rapid diagnostic medical countermeasures in the field,” said Brendan McKernan, President of Courtagen Life Sciences. “The outcomes of this partnership have the potential to make a significant impact on biodefense, public health and drug development initiatives.”

“This collaboration is a much welcomed opportunity and is on track to produce a powerful solution for point-of-care detection of some of the world’s most dangerous agents,” said Tom O’Brien, PhD, Vice President of Tetracore. “Courtagen’s multiplex detection technology is an ideal platform to leverage our experience and high quality reagents.”

-Richard Park