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The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded Menssana Research Inc. a contract for $4.2 million plus options, which could total $22.84 million, if exercised, to develop a breath test for radiation exposure. A Menssana pilot study has already identified biomarkers of radiation exposure in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

A radiologic or nuclear event such as an accident involving radioactive materials or a “dirty bomb” explosion could injure a large number of people. Emergency responders would need to rapidly screen and identify those who have been exposed to radiation. This will require a new kind of screening test to measure radiation effects on the human body.

Potentially, a Menssana breath test could provide a rapid and reliable diagnostic test to screen large numbers of casualties. The breath test for biomarkers of radiation exposure will be evaluated in patients receiving radiation as part of their normal scheduled treatment.

Sites
MD Anderson Medical Center, Orlando, Florida

New York University Langone Medical Center

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Seattle Swedish Cancer Institute

In addition, the LECO Corporation in St. Joseph, Michigan has provided a Pegasus system to analyze samples of human and animal breath. The system separates breath volatiles with two-dimensional gas chromatography and identifies them with time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. American Westech, Inc. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania will provide analytical and consultative services.

The project’s long-term goal is to develop a point-of-care breathalyzer that could be used to rapidly screen large numbers of people for radiation exposure, and to determine the severity of the dose received in order to guide their medical care.