Development of a global diagnostic ecosystem for detecting and monitoring emergency-prone pathogens across species and in a unified way

We aim to contribute to global diagnostics and preparedness for the next health crisis by developing in vitro diagnostic devices and methodologies for application at the point-of-care. For this purpose, mature as well as novel technologies and assays will be developed, addressing all pandemic preparedness requirements; i.e., with regards to assay characteristics and ability to assimilate new targets as well as platform ease of use and connectivity fulfilling manufacturing and regulatory requirements. In the 36 months of the project, we intend to develop and deliver two IVDR certified devices and six molecular assays for emerging pathogens detection at the point-of-care. We will build on a recent commercial success during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pebble platform and an innovative pocket-size device to be developed within the project, both providing capability for connectivity and surveillance. For the RNA-targets detection, we will employ a recently developed amplification method (DAMP) demonstrated to have a high specificity in crude samples. Three broad assays will be developed for screening of viruses belonging in one of the families of Corona, Influenza or Arboviruses, and three specific ones for Dengue, Zika and West Nile viruses, all according to IVDR-recommendations. Importantly the above six assays will be tested using samples from humans, animals and during field-monitoring of mosquito populations, providing a solution for the One Health initiative. For the development of accessible diagnostic tools, the UniHealth consortium consist of expert researchers, technologists, doctors, social scientists, regulators, innovators and biomedical device providers within the areas of diagnostics and pandemics. The high degree of UniHealth’s innovation and the co-development of solutions with global partners and end-users will expand the visibly and uptake of the project results to a global level leading to a high preparedness and an economic and social success.