Request For Information for the Transformational Medical Technologies Initiatives (TMTI) Program Identification of host pathways and drug-able targets for Biodefense.

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking technologies to aid in the identification of host pathways and drug-able targets to block infectious diseases caused by emerging and genetically engineered pathogens within DTRA's Transformational Medical Technologies Initiatives (TMTI) program. The Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative's mission is to protect the War-fighter from potent known, naturally emerging and genetically engineered threats by providing a response capability that begins with identification of pathogens and proceeds through the development of medical countermeasures. High priority organisms include hemorrhagic fever viruses and intracellular bacteria on the CDC Category A and B high priority pathogen list. Information Sought Specifically, the program is interested in identifying therapeutic pathways and targets. These pathways may include highly conserved host targets unlikely to be subverted by genetic engineering or resistance mutation such as those essential to microbial entry, intracellular pathogen survival and replication; targets that enhance innate and adaptive immunity through pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, effectively priming the immune system to safely respond; targets that attenuate common final pathways of pathogenesis, e.g. attenuation of inflammatory and coagulation cascades, and alternative mechanisms that obviate microbial resistance or genetic engineering. In vitro and in vivo methods are also sought that experimentally validate the role of host-based pathways and drug-able targets derived from basic research efforts. Solutions from domains outside of biodefense related-research (e.g. HIV, cancer, sepsis, and trauma) are encouraged Instructions to Responders Sources having the capability and/or concept to meet these requirements are invited to respond to this RFI. Responses should be limited to five (5) pages for any given concept, not including cover page, cover letter and table of contents. Any proprietary concepts of information should be clearly identified as such. Submitted data and information will not be returned. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by DTRA from non-government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. For all RFI responses, an additional, non proprietary cover page is also requested identifying your company name, technical point of contact, and contact information. This is a Sources Sought Synopsis/ Request for Information (RFI). There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for Solicitation and inquiries related to same will not receive a response. This RFI is published for market research purposes only, and in no way obligates the Government to issue a solicitation or otherwise make a contract award. Any and all information submitted in response to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI. Only electronic submissions of information provided to the email address specified will be accepted. RFI responses should be sent to the following email address: contact@example.gov. All emails should include in the subject line the RFI number and the submitting organization's name. Responses should be submitted electronically not later than 5:00 p.m. EST on 01/15/2010.