Amorfix detects scrapie prions in blood from asymptomatic sheep
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. announced the detection of endogenous prions in the blood plasma of asymptomatic scrapie infected sheep. The company had previously reported detecting symptomatic sheep which was a requirement for testing of human vCJD in the United Kingdom.
"Identification of scrapie sheep prior to symptoms is critical for an effective program to eradicate the disease," said Dr. George Adams, Chief Executive Officer, Amorfix. "For the first time, we have been able to sort scrapie infected and unaffected sheep using a simple blood test."
Scrapie-infected lambs as early as 17 months of age were detected by the Amorfix EP-TSE(TM) test. Sheep normally show symptoms of scrapie at 3 to 5 years of age. Detection of infected sheep 2 to 3 years prior to symptoms will allow effective removal of infected animals before they have the ability to infect other sheep in the flock. There are over 2,450 sheep ranchers in the United States who have joined the voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program which began in 1992 after attempts to eradicate scrapie starting in 1952 were unsuccessful. To date, 492 flocks have been certified as it requires 5 years of continuous monitoring and verification of absence of disease. Similar eradication programs are ongoing in Europe with significant subsidies by the European Commission ($60M in 2007) to eradicate scrapie through genetic testing and culling of susceptible sheep.
Amorfix is in discussions with potential partners to complete product development, regulatory approvals and commercialize the EP-TSE(TM) test. The company continues to validate its EP-CJD(TM) test through the UK process and participate in the development of a common technical specification for a CE mark.
Other news from the department research and development
