In diseased periodontal pockets, glutathione levels are lower than in healthy sites and the amount of H2S is higher. It has been assumed, but not proven, that changes in the concentrations of these thiol-compounds are important for the tissue pathology seen in periodontitis. Although the mechanism by which the levels of glutathione and H2S are perturbed in diseased pockets is unknown, the consensus is that bacteria play a key role.

The main goal of the project is an advanced development and optimization of Virus Like Particle Vectors technology as a generic platform for preventative biodefense vaccines against highly pathogenic arenaviruses.

RESEARCH

Placements of dental resins often result in recurrent caries (cavities) and have higher failure rates compared to amalgam.  Newly developed dental materials that have excellent strength and durability, as well as anticariogenic activity should make resin composites a durable alternative to amalgam. Thus, the addition of visible light activated nanoparticles into novel resin formulations may improve the physical and antibacterial performance of dental resins.

Basic Research

RESEARCH

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) an $8.3 million contract extension to continue development of a nasal-delivery, first-line treatment system to combat cyanide poisoning using an intranasal formulation of isoamyl nitrite.

The 28-month contract, a follow-on option to a contract begun in 2011, will include development of additional clinical supplies, regulatory filings and testing in two animal models to show safety and efficacy to support FDA approval.

DESCRIPTION: TRIM5? restriction factors bind retroviral capsids after cell entry and restrict retroviral infection by blocking reverse transcription and/or integration of the viral genetic material. The C-terminal SPRY domain of TRIM5? is believed to form most of the capsid-TRIM5? interface as species-specific sequence variations within the SPRY domain account for differences in the viral specificity of the TRIM5?-mediated restriction. Most notably, recent evolution of the human TRIM5?

This study is a multicenter, Phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RHB-104 compared to placebo to treat subjects with moderate to severe CD. RHB-104 consists of 3 antibiotics with activity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), a potential cause of CD. Subjects with active CD will be randomized at baseline in a 1:1 fashion to receive up to 52 weeks of RHB-104 or placebo.