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"How much" radiation a person has been exposed to, whether from
terrorism or a nuclear accident, is critical to physicians struggling
to provide effective treatments.
Unfortunately, current technology does not easily answer the question.
Government agencies are funding the development of technologies
to prepare for and address these types of situations threatening
homeland security. While scientists worldwide explore drugs and
treatments for radiation exposure, those at Litron Laboratories
are devising innovative tools to measure actual levels of exposure.
Building on its experience developing flow cytometry-based methods,
Litron has recently received government funding to develop a radiation
biodosimetry tool called the HARM (HemAtotoxicity Response Matrix)
Assay.
The Phase I grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID) allows Litron to expand on its leadership in assay
development. It provides a means for quickly and accurately assessing
radiation exposure. Because of the high priority placed on this
research, this grant provides greater funding over a longer period
of time than traditional Phase I studies.
The HARM Assay is a powerful means for rapidly determining the harmful
effects of ionizing radiation on blood cells. Having already conducted
proof-of-principle experiments, Litron will use this new funding
to conduct method optimization, interlab trials and examination
of high throughput and portable technologies.
With this research, Litron continues its commitment to developing
assays that address critical needs. The HARM Assay's potential to
assess radiation exposure and improve homeland security is the latest
example.
For more info, please contact
Drew Tometsko.
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