# TNPRC Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Upgrade for Capacity Building

> **NIH NIH G20** · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · 2022 · $3,442,958

## Abstract

The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is one of seven NPRCs that serve as local,
regional, and national resources to conduct nonhuman primate (NHP) research with the goal of
improving human health. The TNPRC maintains a focus on infectious diseases and is the only NPRC
with a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) for the study of high
consequence pathogens, including select agents and toxins, and biodefense research. In recent
years, and particularly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TNPRC RBL has seen massive
growth in emerging pathogen and biodefense work. The facility is in critical need of additional
upgrades, modernization projects, and laboratory enhancements, both to support the rapidly growing
demand for BSL-3 research and to ensure a robust and efficient containment system that is vital for
protecting workers, the Center, and the surrounding community. The purpose of the proposed project
is to strategically enhance research capabilities by introducing new equipment space within the
TNPRC RBL to accommodate our growing BSL-3 research portfolio. To this end, we propose the
following specific aims:
Aim 1. Implement a series of improvements to the TNPRC RBL infrastructure, including replacement
of damaged phoenix valves, restoration of DeCon Tank capabilities, upgrade of uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) systems, and update of the boiler burner which can no longer be repaired due to the
discontinued manufacturing of replacement parts.
Aim 2. Upgrade equipment to expand clinical evaluation capabilities in the BSL-3.
Aim 3. Incorporate functional equipment pieces to support BSL-3 research activities, enabling and
expanding the capacity of the RBL to conduct numerous research capabilities where regulations are
extensive to be able to take them into non-select agent space.
The ability to respond to potential epidemics rapidly and efficiently by developing and applying novel
diagnostic assays, therapeutics, and vaccines is critical to minimize risk and negative population
health outcomes. The TNPRC is uniquely capable of quickly responding to emerging threats, from
detection through product development, due to our status as the only NPRC with an on-site BSL-3
Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, unique Quality Assurance Program, and extensive support of
on-site core services. By mid-February 2020, we had already established a COVID-19 research
program, with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)-permitted acquisition of SARS-CoV-2
stock and IACUC approval of our animal model development studies. The TNPRC has a highly
talented group of investigators with nationally recognized expertise in biocontainment, virology,
immunology, pulmonology, vaccines, and veterinary care. Our faculty, with joint appointments in
Departments across the Tulane Schools of Medicine and Public Health & Tropical Medicine, are
involved in the development of multiple collaborative planning efforts locally, regi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10632933
- **Project number:** 3G20AI167406-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- **Principal Investigator:** JAY RAPPAPORT
- **Activity code:** G20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $3,442,958
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-09-23 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10632933

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10632933, TNPRC Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Upgrade for Capacity Building (3G20AI167406-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10632933. Licensed CC0.

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