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Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) bacteria, or pneumococcus, can cause many types of illnesses. These range from ear and sinus infections to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Pneumococci are surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule, which is thought to help it evade the immune system. Presently, over 90 known serotypes of S. pneumoniae have been identified, of which only a minority produce the majority of pneumococcal infections; a serotype is defined by a unique pneumococcal capsule structure.

Currently, fed-batch processes are the most commonly used bioprocesses in transient gene expression (TGE) vaccine manufacturing. However, because fed-batch processes keep all the cells and protein product in the vessel throughout the run, some limitations are intrinsic. First, waste products like cell debris or other unwanted small molecules accumulate in the vessel with a potential to disrupt the cell growth, protein production, and the stability of the generated protein of interest.

Ebola virus is a large, negative-strand RNA virus composed of 7 genes encoding viral proteins, including a single glycoprotein (GP). The virus is responsible for causing Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), in humans. In particular, Bundibugyo (BDBV), Zaire (EBOV), and Sudan (SUDV) species have been associated with large outbreaks of EVD in Africa and reported case fatality rates of up to 90%. Transmission of Ebola virus to humans is not yet fully understood but is likely due to incidental exposure to infected animals.

Synucleinopathies are a category of neurodegenerative diseases defined by the abnormal aggregation and accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein molecules within the brain. These aggregates are of particular concern to humans as they are a primary cause of Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and other neurological disorders. This technology enables rapid, economical and ultrasensitive detection of disease-associated forms of alpha-synuclein as biomarkers or indicators of synucleinopathy in a biological sample.

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative diseases of great public concern as humans may either develop disease spontaneously or, more rarely, due to mutations in their prion protein gene or exposures to external sources of infection. Prion disease is caused by the accumulation in the nervous system of abnormal aggregates of prion protein. This technology enables rapid, economical, and ultrasensitive detection of disease-associated forms of prion protein.

The Measles virus (MeV) and Mumps virus (MuV) are highly contagious paramyxoviruses that can be transmitted by respiratory droplets from or on direct contact with an infected person. The resulting diseases can lead to serious complications or death among children. The existing vaccines for MeV and MuV are live attenuated virus vaccines which are administered in two subcutaneous doses at 1 year of age and as early as one month later. Two doses of a combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% against mumps.

SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a global pathogen, sparking urgent vaccine development efforts. The trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike appears to be a leading vaccine antigen. However, the inability of antibodies such as CR3022, which binds tightly to a cryptic spike epitope, to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 suggests a spike-based means of neutralization escape.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is characterized by fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, nausea, and sore throat. As of the fourth quarter 2020, COVID-19 is responsible for over 1.17 million deaths worldwide. As the pandemic continues to surge, the importance of a safe, affordable, and efficacious vaccine is of urgent importance.

This technology includes the identification and use of niclosamide analogs and prodrugs for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In-vitro studies have found niclosamide, an old anthelminthic drug, to be potent and effective against Covid-19. But the broad antiviral effect of niclosamide is offset by the low solubility of the drug, leading to poor oral absorption. The niclosamide analogs and prodrugs included in this technology have better in vitro physicochemical properties. Also, these analogs were comparable to niclosamide in the in-vitro 3D models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This invention relates to two devices that reliably, sensitively, and accurately measures force during handgrip contraction and subsequent relaxation. A delayed relaxation after a sustained and forceful handgrip is a cardinal symptom of myotonic dystrophies (DM). This delayed relaxation, handgrip myotonia, may be a therapeutic response biomarker in clinical trials.