TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYNucleic Acid Assays for the Detection of Viral Animal Pathogens Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to license nucleic acid assays for the detection of viral animal pathogens such as bluetongue virus (BTV), bovine herpesvirus (BHV), vesicular stomatitis, etc. Background: The agricultural industry accounts for a large percentage of the gross domestic product. The early detection of viral diseases affecting livestock is critical to minimizing their spread and overall economic impact. Description: The invention covers nucleic acid-based kits and methods for the detection of viruses of significant importance to agricultural livestock and wildlife, such as bluetongue virus (BTV), bovine herpesvirus (BHV), vesicular stomatitis, etc. ? Each signature is comprised of a forward primer, reverse primer and a probe. The assays are compatible with real-time fluorescence detection (e.g. Taqman) and multiplexed array formats (e.g. Luminex). ? The intended sample matrix detection is whole blood, but tissue samples or insects that serve as vectors may also be used. ? The signatures could be used individually or as a set. Advantages: ? The existing tests for bluetongue virus on the market are immunoassay-based and detect the presence of antibodies raised in response to infection by bluetongue virus. LLNL has developed PCR-based assays that detect the presence of viral nucleic acids in a sample with high sensitivity and specificity. ? LLNL has unique signatures which can detect and differentiate viruses from genetically similar near-neighbors (e.g. BTV from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV)) and other likely confounders. Potential Applications: Utilizing LLNL?s unique signatures, licensee could manufacture reagent test kits for diagnosis of diseases such as bluetongue virus (BTV), bovine herpesvirus (BHV), vesicular stomatitis, etc. Development Status: LLNL has developed nucleic acid assays for bluetongue virus bovine herpesvirus, vesicular stomatitis and others. LLNL is currently filing patent applications on nucleic acid assays for the detection of bluetongue virus, bovine herpesvirus, vesicular stomatitis and other viruses that are of significant importance to agriculture. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at http://ipo.llnl.gov/workwithus/partneringprocess.php for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL?s Nucleic Assays for the Detection of Viral Animal Pathogens should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1. Company Name and address. 2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. 3. A description of corporate expertise and facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Industrial Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-795 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: FBO 168-08 Please provide your written statement within fourteen (14) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL?s technology.

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