A new rapid test for Brugia parasite infection
Official title: Supporting WHO Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programs: Progressing a Highly Sensitive and Specific Rapid Diagnostic Test for Brugia Species Infection to Commercialization Readiness
Funded at Big Eye Diagnostics, INC. · NIH-11079584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a quick and accurate test to find Brugia parasite infections, which cause lymphatic filariasis, to help eliminate the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Big Eye Diagnostics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $396,523 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI184015-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is primarily for individuals in regions affected by lymphatic filariasis caused by Brugia species, particularly in Southeast Asia, who may need testing for the infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lymphatic filariasis caused by other parasite species, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, may not directly benefit from this specific Brugia-focused test.
What this research studies
We are working to make a new, easy-to-use rapid diagnostic test, called Brugia Test Plus (BT+), widely available. This test helps identify infections caused by Brugia parasites, which lead to a painful and disfiguring disease called lymphatic filariasis. The BT+ test has already shown excellent results in lab settings and promising results in field tests, meeting important global health standards. Our goal is to quickly move this test into manufacturing and distribution so it can be used in areas where the disease is common.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new test could help identify infections earlier and more accurately, supporting global efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and prevent its debilitating effects.
How similar studies have gone: The Brugia Test Plus (BT+) has already demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in laboratory and initial field testing, building on previous development phases.
Where this research is happening
-
Big Eye Diagnostics, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biamonte, Marco Antonio — Big Eye Diagnostics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Biamonte, Marco Antonio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.