Innovative Nucleic Acids to Diagnose Endemic Fungal Infections

Firebird will deliver multiplexed assays that inexpensively detect and distinguish coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis by targeting the genomic DNA of their causative agents. This assay uses six Firebird technologies: 1. Artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGIS), which support ultra-clean DNA amplification with ultra-low noise despite the complexity of realbiological samples. 2. Self-avoiding molecular recognition systems (SAMRS), which permit unlimited multiplexing of xNA­ targeted assays, and (consequently) low cost and extreme adaptability in such assays. 3. Conversion technologies that create AEGIS-containing amplicons easily detected by Luminex without interference from any naturally found xNA. 4. Evolution-based software to select genomic targets for genus and species discrimination. 5. Novel reagent-enzyme combinations that make fungal xNA accessible to amplification. 6. Novel isothermal amplification methods to allow the assays to work near points-of-care. The initial product will address the interest of the NCEZID in analyzing environmental samples, to avoid costly FDA regulation. Firebird's investment in pipelines allows us to prepare AEGIS and SAMRS building blocks in multi-gram amounts, and their oligonucleotides on demand. Thus, this product fits well within Firebird's current product line. Specific diagnosis of fungal infections will enhance public health by providing a mechanism to save lives and prevent death serious disease.