Biotechnology company, Globavir Biosciences, Inc. (Globavir) has announced a partnership with BioManguinhos, a division of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), for a joint evaluation of Globavir's PanGlob RT-PCR Dengue diagnostic assay.
Under the terms of the agreement both parties will work jointly to evaluate and develop PanGlob for commercial launch in Brazil. PanGlob in comparison to any other Dengue diagnostic assays, is more sensitive in detecting the Dengue virus in patient samples. This collaboration may result in future joint ventures or technology transfers.
The PanGlob RT-PCR Dengue diagnostic assay is capable of identifying the presence of Dengue RNA in a sample of extracted nucleic acid, regardless of the serotype of the specific virus. In preliminary studies, PanGlob demonstrated a higher sensitivity and specificity for Dengue detection, and over a longer window of infection, than other currently available tests. A point-of-care version of the diagnostic test is currently under development.
Dengue virus, which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, infects at least 3 million Brazilians each year according to current estimates. Dengue virus is seasonal in Brazil, with infections rising during late summer and early autumn (February – April).
"We feel strongly that Globavir's PanGlob diagnostic will provide a badly needed weapon in combating Dengue infections in Brazil," said Dr. Shalabh Gupta, Globavir's president and CEO. "Accurately diagnosing clinical samples is the first step to identifying and controlling outbreaks. Through this partnership with BioManguinhos, Globavir's powerful diagnostic assay will be in position for deployment during the next Dengue season."
Dengue virus (DENV) infection is currently estimated to affect 390 million patients worldwide, with nearly 100 million of these cases manifesting with consequences ranging from the painful Dengue Fever to the potentially fatal Severe Dengue including Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Driven by increased travel and the global spread of the insect vector Aedes aegypti, the number of reported DENV infections has doubled every 10 years for the past half century and DENV infection has been identified as the fastest growing arthropod borne disease by the WHO. While only nine countries reported endemic transmission prior to 1970, DENV infection is now reported in over 100 countries worldwide and recent outbreaks have occurred in the US states Florida and Texas, as well as Portugal, the United Kingdom, and other previously non-endemic regions.
Globavir Biosciences is an infectious disease company developing life-saving technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of some of the world's most deadly viral diseases.
BioManguinhos is a scientific technology unit of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). Fiocruz is a division of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, with several institutes working on different health related areas (R&D, scientific information, history, education, manufacturing and health care). BioManguinhos develops and manufactures vaccines, biotherapeutics and diagnostics to address the public health needs indicated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.