Sept. 8, 2003

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

KU is part of $1.47M planning grant for regional biodefense research center

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas, in collaboration with Wichita State University, the University of Iowa, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City andÊ Iowa State University,Êhas received a $1.47 million National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases planning grant for a Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research.

The regional centers are part of the NIAID's strategic plan to improve the nation's preparedness for handling unexpected infectious disease threats that arise as a result of bioterrorism or that occur naturally, such as SARS.

The planning grant is designed to support investigator training, research, planning and development of resources and facilities that could lead to future establishment of a regional center of excellence in one to two years.

William Picking, associate professor of biological sciences, is the lead investigator at KU. Bradley Britigan, a University of Iowa professor of internal medicine, is theÊ principal investigator for the grant.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the NIAID have awarded eight full Regional Center of ExcellenceÊgrants and two planning grants. (www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/default.htm)

The research and training activities of the regional centers will focus on infection with Category A biodefense agents, which are pathogens that have been identified as having the greatest potential for use as bioterrorism agents. The ultimate goal of the work performed, and the centers that will support it, will be to develop novel approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of these infections.

The main research of this project, to be based at the University of Iowa,Êwill examine host-pathogen interactions for Francisella tularensis -- the causative agent for tularemia, a disease of rodents, especially rabbits, that can be transmitted to humans through the handling of an infected animal's flesh or by the bite of certain insects. Several smaller pilot feasibility projects that will address other pathogens also will be funded.

In addition to the research component, the planning grant will focus on several other areas that are important to strengthening the infrastructure that will respond to bioterrorism threats and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. These areas include training future scientists to work in biodefense research and developing collaborations and working relationships with local and regional public health groups to improve the region's ability to respond to future bioterrorism events.

The researchers will develop core research and educational resources that can be used by all of the participating institutions and by approved investigators from federal agencies and private companies.

Close to 100 researchers at the four universities will be involved in various aspects of the planning grant. A six-member external advisory board also will help review proposals, participate in strategic planning and suggest optimal directions for research programs and educational activities.