|
SARS-DTV is a
Scientific Support to Policies Research Project
financed by
the
European Commission
within the
6th Framework Programme
The SARS-DTV Consortium is composed of 15 research partners
from six European countries, China
and Taiwan.
It includes three Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs). The Coordinator
is the Department of Medical Microbiology of Leiden University Medical
Center (LUMC), the Netherlands.
The SARS-DTV Steering Committee is
composed of: Prof. Willy Spaan (LUMC; coordinator and leader of the work
package Diagnostics and Standardisation), Prof. Eric Snijder (LUMC;
deputy-coordinator and leader of the work package Molecular Targets), Dr.
Jan ter Meulen (Crucell; leader of the work package Correlates of Humoral
and Cellular protection), Prof. Stuart Siddell (Bristol; leader of the work
package Model Systems), Dr. Jerome Weinbach (Inserm-Transfert; project
manager).
Overview:
SARS-DTV forms an integrated research consortium across
Europe and Asia. The overall objective of
the project is to contribute to the development of candidate anti-SARS
drugs, vaccines and diagnostic assays.
The SARS-DTV Network’s major focuses:
- Identify
molecular targets for antiviral therapy
- Develop an improved
understanding of the immune response to SARS antibody and
cell-mediated responses
- Formulate systems for
testing the inhibition of viral replication
- Develop rapid diagnostic
tests that will provide results in less than 30 minutes
Contribution
to policy development:
- The
development of an improved surveillance capability in high-risk areas
will provide an earlier indication of potential SARS epidemics
- An enhanced capability to
prevent and control SARS infections
- An improved ability to
undertake SARS directed research through an expanded pool of trained
scientists
Main
project deliverables:
- Inhibitors
of SARS virus replication – months 6 to 36
- Optimisation of monoclonal
antibodies for use in diagnostic assays – month 12
- Data on the safety and
efficacy of selected antiviral compounds in the mouse model –
month 36
- Rapid
immunochromatography assay for the detection of SARS virus –
month 30
- Plan for using and disseminating
knowledge – month 36
Dissemination:
- Organise
and update a public domain webpage
- Establish connections
with other EU-funded SARS related networks
- Develop connections with
patient organisations and advocacy groups
- Design a poster aimed at
a non-specialist audience summarising the main activities
- Produce a brochure
summarising the main achievements
- Undertake presentations
at international meetings
|
