# A modular platform for infectious disease surveillance at point-of-need.

> **NIH NIH R44** · REDBUD LABS, INC. · 2020 · $299,268

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
We propose to develop a point-of-need system for differential molecular identification of filoviruses from
syndromically similar infections. Our goal is to enable rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of quarantinable
infections to reduce nosocomial risk and improve outbreak response. The platform will simultaneously test 12
genomic markers at the genus and strain level using a modular microfluidic design that allows for rapid panel
update and expansion. In Phase I we will develop an assay for pan-filovirus (pFi), followed by expansion of the
panel and system integration in Phase II. The expanded panel will add pan-flavivirus (pFa) and pan-Plasmodium
(pPa) detection as well as strain-specific targets for Ebola, Marburg, Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. Strain
specific tests will enable better patient triage/treatment during an outbreak and improve disease surveillance in
non-outbreak settings.
The panel will require a 50 μL sample of whole blood and will achieve highly specific detection in < 30 minutes.
To achieve this goal, we will combine Redbud Labs’ expertise in microfluidics and systems with the diagnostic
development expertise of the Diagnostics Program at PATH (Seattle, WA), and the VHF testing/processing
capabilities of the Connor Lab at Boston University (part of the BSL-4 facilities at NEIDL).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10021318
- **Project number:** 1R44AI150263-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** REDBUD LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay Kenneth Fisher
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $299,268
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-07 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10021318

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10021318, A modular platform for infectious disease surveillance at point-of-need. (1R44AI150263-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10021318. Licensed CC0.

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