Universal molecular test for Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever
PANDAA for universal, pan-lineage molecular detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus.
A rapid molecular test that can detect all genetic variants of the virus that causes Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever in people with suspected infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aldatu Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Watertown, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing PANDAA CCHFV, a rapid, sensitive molecular diagnostic designed to find all genetic lineages of Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever virus using an adaptive probe‑based qPCR method. The PANDAA technology changes probe‑target interactions to overcome viral genetic variation so fluorescent probes can reliably detect diverse variants. The team will validate the assay with clinical samples and optimize performance for use in resource‑limited and outbreak settings where early diagnosis is critical. The aim is to commercialize a pan‑lineage diagnostic with faster and more consistent detection than existing tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with recent unexplained fever or suspected tick exposure in regions where CCHF occurs, or patients whose clinicians seek confirmatory molecular testing.
Not a fit: People without CCHF, those beyond the time window when viral RNA is detectable, or individuals who cannot access participating clinics or labs are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could enable quicker and more accurate diagnosis of CCHF, helping clinicians start appropriate care faster and improving outbreak response.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional PCR tests can detect CCHFV but struggle with viral diversity, and the PANDAA approach is a novel method designed specifically to overcome that limitation.
Where this research is happening
Watertown, UNITED STATES
- Aldatu Biosciences, INC. — Watertown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macleod, Iain James — Aldatu Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Macleod, Iain James
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 below.