Biodefense

IITRI has been involved in the development and evaluation of novel technologies for the detection and decontamination of biowarfare agents for over 40 years. IITRI conducts a variety of in vitro and in vivo experiments in our state-of-the-art biosafety level-2 and level-3 laboratories. Areas of expertise include microbiology, virology, molecular biology, immunology, and aerosol physics.

As part of ongoing programs, research is currently underway on efficacy, potency, and safety assessment of vaccines for protection against biowarfare agents.

Areas of Expertise Include:

• Identification of biological agents (Biosafety Level 2 and 3)
• Vaccine efficacy and potency evaluation
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of new therapeutic agents
• Validation of decontamination materials
• Validation of biodetection methodologies
• Biosensors - development and testing
• Molecular assays for detection and identification of bioagents
• Animal model development
• Development of chromogenic media for microbial identification
• Extensive library, multiple strains and surrogates of NIH A, B, and C pathogens
• The facility is registered with the CDC and USDA under 42 CFR 73 for select agents, with all pertinent requirements for such animal facilities, in addition to AAALAC accreditation and OLAW assurance.