Medical Surveillance, Diagnostics & Intervention

Our containment laboratories conduct research and efficacy testing of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for biological and chemical defense. This includes prophylaxis, therapeutic, and diagnostic products using all routes of exposure in both large and small models. The BRC conducts secure, state-of-the-art research, development, testing, and evaluation using both highly toxic chemicals and highly pathogenic biological agents for a wide range of government agencies and private sector companies. 

The major research, development, testing, and evaluation areas include:  

• Vaccines – Conduct efficacy testing of candidate and developmental vaccines.
• Therapeutics – Determine the performance of drugs used to treat after exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents. Conducted all non-clinical work for the first FDA-approved anthrax and botulinum toxin treatments under the FDA Animal Rule. 
• Decontamination – Determine the persistence and effectiveness of decontaminants against biological and chemical threat contamination; assess the effects of agents and decontaminants on surfaces and equipment.
• Detection – Test detection systems against chemical and biological warfare threats. 
• Model Development – Development of new animal models for representative disease progression and human response. 
• Clinical Trials – Develop, qualify, and validate bioassays for supporting clinical and non-clinical sample analysis. 

Our scientists apply Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) to study, develop and test in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo medical delivery mechanisms and countermeasures, all with the goal of delivering life-saving solutions as quickly as possible. 

Our expertise spans the development of breakthrough prophylactic, diagnostic, pretreatment and therapeutic solutions. We deliver:  

• Experience with the full range of CBRNE threats 
• Broad and deep knowledge of naturally occurring pandemic diseases 
• Safe, efficient and cost-effective use of all threats – both simulants and actual – up to level 3 

Battelle has had experience in virtually every facet of medical CBRNE development work. We offer: 

• The quick initial exploratory work needed for analyzing new threats and rapidly evaluating the efficacy of existing vaccines and treatments against those threats 
• In-depth product development work, including conducting natural history studies to identify the best prospects, procedures and animal models 
• Risk modeling to help users make the right decisions in any circumstance 

We provide: 

• Regulatory-compliant environments 
• Adherence to strict GLP practices 
• Exhaustive documentation processes to streamline audits and certifications 
• Access to Battelle scientific capability in other disciplines, such as epidemiological modeling, to ensure a total solution 

Battelle also works with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and USG partners around the world to reduce CBRNE threats that destabilize countries. We have built in-country response capacity and developed laboratory networks in countries such as Afghanistan, Armenia, Georgia, Uganda, Tanzania, Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam to strengthen biosurveillance systems. We’ve reduced health risks within and across borders of developing countries by establishing central reference laboratories and training staff in human and animal disease response.

Our disease response training includes:

• Recognition of disease
• Clinician and veterinarian reporting
• Notification and activation of district, regional and national networks of public health centers and laboratories
• Diagnostics, biosafety, surveillance and outbreak investigation
• Basic and applied infectious disease research

Battelle is positioned to mitigate client risk by delivering the right answers the first time, and to alleviate our risk as a nation by supporting our government’s most critical preparedness programs.