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Duke scientists to receive up to $43 million for gene-based radiation test

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DURHAM, N.C. – Researchers at Duke University could receive up to $43.6 million from the federal government for development of a genomics-based test to determine if people have been exposed to radiation.

The test would be used in the event of a so-called “dirty bomb” or nuclear attack.

Duke was awarded an initial contract worth $3.7 million through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

The test will be based by work done by Duke Medicine researchers John Chute, Joseph Nevins and Nelson Chao. The three have identified 25 genes in the blood that are activated by radiation, creating a “signature” expression. Duke claims the radiation status can be identified with an accuracy rate above 90 percent.

Chute has received $25 million in the past from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The funds were used to launch the Duke Center for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation.

“Since 9/11, there has been national concern about the possibility of a terrorist attack in the U.S. involving radiological or nuclear materials. Such an attack could kill or injure hundreds of thousands of people,” Chute, a medical doctor and associate professor of medicine, said in a statement. “The problem is that, right now, we don’t have any way to rapidly screen thousands of people to determine their level of radiation exposure. Many people who suffer radiation injury can recover and survive if they are promptly and properly treated.”

The Duke team hopes to have a prototype device ready by 2012. It would analyze a few drops of blood, and results would be available in about 30 minutes. Current tests require large pieces of equipment and hours to deliver results, Chute said.

Chute will work with DxTerity Diagnostics, a biotech firm in California, to develop a gene-expression test. Another company that is part of the project, Invetech, will work with the University of Arizona to develop the testing instrument.

The agency awarding the new grant is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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