New Methods for RSV Prevention and Detection Developed by Georgia State University

Georgia State University researchers are developing innovative tools and technologies to aid in the treatment, prevention, and detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

“We are constantly working toward developing new ways to treat, prevent and detect RSV, and we know this technology has the potential to make testing safer,” said Richard Plemper, a professor who directs the Center for Translational Antiviral Research in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences. “We also feel confident that these tools have novel uses for those who study antivirals in the biotechnology industry.”

Researchers have developed reporter structures that emit fluorescent or bioluminescent light at different intensities when potential antiviral agents inhibit RSV genes in cells used for drug screening assays. These technologies are useful for monitoring virus reactions and enhancing the safety of RSV testing because they do not contain viral proteins that may cause infection.

Plemper's tools are being used by multiple vaccine companies and are available for nonexclusive licensing. Georgia State's Office of Technology Transfer signed a nonexclusive license agreement with a vaccine company for an RSV Minigenome construct invented by Plemper. Other products developed by Plemper's team, such as VSV-eGFP and RSV Firefly Luciferase Reporter Virus, are also available for non-exclusive licensing.

Reference
Reetz, N. Biotech companies leverage Georgia State University tools to develop drugs for RSV. News release. EurekaAlert! Published May 22, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1045624