Developing a new rapid test for river blindness diagnosis
Official title: SUPPORTING WHO ONCHOCERCIASIS ELIMINATION PROGRAMS: PROGRESSING A HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND ULTRA-SPECIFIC RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO COMMERCIALIZATION READINESS
Funded at Big Eye Diagnostics, INC. · NIH-10810633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and accurate test for river blindness to help health organizations better target treatments for those affected, and it will involve around 10,000 people to make sure the test works well in real life.
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 | March 16, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $908,264 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI174495-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions where onchocerciasis is endemic or those who are at risk of contracting the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in areas affected by onchocerciasis or who are not at risk of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a highly sensitive and ultra-specific rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, which affects millions of people worldwide. The test is designed to help the World Health Organization (WHO) make informed decisions about mass drug administration programs aimed at eliminating this disease. By utilizing novel antigens from the O. volvulus parasite, the test aims to achieve exceptional accuracy in identifying infected individuals. The project includes field evaluations involving approximately 10,000 participants to ensure the test's effectiveness in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the diagnosis and management of onchocerciasis, leading to better health outcomes for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing diagnostic tests for similar tropical diseases, indicating a promising potential for this approach.
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.