Austin, TX—Feb 12, 2015 – Spot On Sciences has announced a collaboration with the US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, to support a study for detecting infectious pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and mosquito-borne infections such as dengue, West Nile and chikungunya virus in deployed troops. MHRP seeks to evaluate methods for efficient collection, preservation and transportation of high quality biospecimens, such as blood, from remote locations with limited resources.
Spot On Sciences’ blood sampling device, HemaSpot, will be evaluated for use for blood collection in the field for biosurveillance studies. HemaSpot is based on dried blood spot (DBS) sampling, a proven technology that has been around for 50 years. The patent-pending device allows blood sample collection to be performed in remote settings, improves sample quality, simplifies collection, and allows for stable sample storage for years at room temperature, all characteristics which facilitate acquisition of blood samples in the field.
“The HemaSpot device was invented to address critical issues surrounding remote blood sampling, making it potentially ideal for use in military settings. We look forward to participating in this groundbreaking study,” stated Shelley Hossenlopp, Senior Director of Business Development for Spot On Sciences. “I believe the device could play an important role in the collection of critical biological samples from the field.”
The Walter Reed Army Institute for Research (WRAIR) conducts research to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases, which often pose a unique threat to troops deployed to disease-endemic areas of the world. Screening of soldiers for infectious pathogens requires venipuncture, a process which is not practical in resource-scarce environments. Once whole blood is collected, the next significant challenge is sample transportation under appropriate conditions. WRAIR will investigate whether HemaSpot, the DBS sample, facilitates improved specimen integrity for infectious pathogen screening due to its potential ease of use and stability during transportation. MAJ Brook, the principal investigator of the study at WRAIR added, “The US military deploys troops throughout the world for peacekeeping and military missions, exposing soldiers to innumerable infectious diseases. The proposed study will address whether HemaSpot allows efficient collection, preservation and transportation of sufficiently high quality biospecimens for surveillance, epidemiology, and/or diagnostic testing of remote or vulnerable populations.” Additional funding for this project is provided through a Defense Health Program Grant.
About the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
The U.S Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) at WRAIR seeks to protect the warfighter and serve the global community by reducing the risk of HIV infection worldwide. Research efforts encompass threat assessment and epidemiology, HIV diagnostics, vaccine development and testing, and therapeutics research. While its primary focus is to develop a globally effective HIV vaccine, MHRP is also a leader in development of diagnostic countermeasures and provides effective prevention, care and treatment programs in parts of Africa where they conduct research. For more information, visitwww.hivresearch.organdwww.wrair.army.mil.
About Spot On Sciences
Spot On Sciences, Inc., located in Austin, Texas, is a medical device company that is actively developing innovative methods for collecting and storing biological fluid samples. The company’s current product, HemaSpot™, allows for simplified blood sample collection and storage for dried blood spot (DBS) testing. Spot On Sciences aspires to change existing paradigms in this mature market with technologies that simplify processes, save time and reduce costs. The company has been recognized with many awards including the SXSW Interactive Accelerator (2013), RISE Global Pitch Competition (2013), 1776 Challenge Cup – Health category (2014), the Astia/WeOwnIt Venture Competition (2014) and the Kauffman Foundation’s Global Pitch Competition (2014). For more information visit the company’s website atwww.spotonsciences.com.
Press Contacts
Sue Leininger
Spot On Sciences
512-827-9627
sueleininger@spotonsciences.com
