USA – Alveo Technologies Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostics, has partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a cutting-edge, point-of-need diagnostic test for avian influenza.
This innovative solution aims to detect and differentiate between influenza A, influenza B, and the avian influenza subtype A/H5, marking a major advancement in pandemic preparedness and public health surveillance.
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. As of November 18, 2024, avian flu outbreaks have ravaged poultry farms across 48 states in the U.S., affecting over 108 million birds and 549 dairy herds, while sporadic human infections have been confirmed.
The CDC reports 52 cases of human infection, all linked to farm workers exposed to infected animals. While the reported cases have been mild, the looming threat of a mutation enabling human-to-human transmission has raised alarms globally.
Currently, diagnostic testing for the H5 subtype is limited to the CDC and a few state laboratories equipped with the agency’s A(H5) assay.
This centralised system risks becoming overwhelmed in the event of an outbreak, potentially delaying diagnoses and interventions.
The Alveo-CDC collaboration seeks to fill this critical gap with a decentralised testing platform that could be deployed directly at the front lines.
Alveo’s portable molecular detection platform represents a transformative leap in diagnostic capabilities.
Using isothermal nucleic acid amplification, the device can simultaneously identify multiple strains of influenza, including the highly pathogenic A/H5, from a single sample.
The test delivers accurate results within minutes and transmits them to a secure, cloud-based portal for real-time analysis and reporting.
This decentralised approach enables faster detection and response, reducing the reliance on centralised laboratories.
The technology offers a dual benefit by providing point-of-need diagnostics: strengthening public health surveillance and empowering frontline workers with critical tools to manage outbreaks swiftly.
Expanding applications, global preparedness
Beyond addressing avian influenza, Alveo’s partnership with the CDC reflects a broader strategy to enhance global health resilience.
The company plans to begin shipping molecular tests for poultry-specific influenza subtypes, including H5, H7, and H9, starting in December. This aligns with its mission to support food security and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies, emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “It is gratifying to be selected and enter this agreement to accelerate the development of our point-of-need diagnostic solutions for H5. We are proud to work with the CDC to be part of a national preparedness effort by enabling timely detection and response where it matters most – at the front lines of care.”
The project also showcases Alveo’s patented IntelliSense technology, which employs direct electrical sensing of nucleic acid amplification.
This innovation delivers rapid and accurate results and ensures affordability, making it accessible for widespread use in farms, clinics, and manufacturing plants.
The implications of this partnership are profound. Alveo’s platform addresses critical vulnerabilities in the diagnostic supply chain by decentralising testing capabilities, especially during outbreaks.
Early detection and intervention could significantly curb the spread of influenza, protecting human health and agricultural systems.
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