Celera Genomics receives grant for bird flu test

The test will be based on the Primer and Probe Set and protocols used in a test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that was recently cleared by the FDA.

The CDC assay is the only FDA-cleared assay for detection of the H5N1 virus, but its use is limited to the laboratories designated by the Laboratory Response Network.

Celera’s access to the H5N1 assay information will be through a license to be obtained by Celera from the CDC. The test is expected to be sold through Celera’s alliance with Abbott.

“Early detection of avian influenza H5N1 in humans could allow for intervention with antiviral therapeutic drugs and institution of vaccination or quarantine strategies to prevent or delay spread of the infection,” said Dr Tom White, chief scientific officer at Celera.

The grant will partially support a multi-phased, three-year project. Performance testing and validation will be done in collaboration with the CDC, which has accumulated a large collection of influenza strains and clinical respiratory specimens.