Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella

Phase I SBIR proposals will be accepted. Fast-track proposals will not be accepted. Phase I clinical trials will not be accepted. Number of anticipated awards: 1 Budget (total costs): Phase I up to $243,500 for up to 6 months; Phase II of up to $1,972,828 and a Phase II duration of up to 2 years PROPOSALS THAT EXCEED THE BUDGET OR PROJECT DURATION LISTED ABOVE MAY NOT BE FUNDED. Background Acute infections of measles and rubella continue to place an undue burden on public health systems, especially in countries with nascent vaccine programs or logistical challenges for achieving high levels of vaccination coverage or disease surveillance. Over 100,000 deaths are still attributed to measles infection globally each year, and rubella infection continues to cause over 100,000 children to be born with congenital rubella syndrome annually. Sporadic importations of measles and rubella continue to occur in the United States, with measles importations occasionally seeding large-scale outbreaks among susceptible communities. Strong surveillance systems are necessary for detecting sporadic cases of disease, preventing disease outbreaks, and maintaining disease elimination status. An essential component of surveillance is rapid confirmation of a specific pathogen to help guide the public health response.