Thursday, May 22, 2025
5/22/2025
A Rapid and Inexpensive Point-of-Care Test for Beta-Thalassemia Carriers - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This proposal describes the development of HemoTypeBT, a rapid and inexpensive point-of-care immunoassay test kit for the identification of beta-thalassemia carriers. Screening and counseling programs aimed at carriers have proven effective in reducing the incidence of this genetic disease by >90%. However, the cost and logistical burden of today's testing methods is a high barrier to implementation of such programs. The proposed test kit will be a lateral flow immunoassay, similar in principle to a home pregnancy test, and based on the highly successful HemoTypeSC test for sickle-cell disease. The test design is based on monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the small differences between disease-linked hemoglobin variants. At the successful conclusion of the proposed work, the HemoTypeBT test kit will be pre-clinically validated and ready for manufacturing and submission for approval to regulatory agencies worldwide.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).