This technology is a novel method for modeling and simulating disease states caused by pathogenic organisms or toxic materials. Provides an alternative method for undertaking studies that cannot be performed on humans and that may lack relevance if performed on animal species that are surrogates for humans.Description:The first product, an in silico (computer-based) anthrax model enables researchers to explore 'what if' scenarios and develop predictive data that can be used in experimental design and the testing of new hypothesis of the anthrax disease state.This new approach helps combine the knowledge of disease states that may be obtained from various sources, such as 'in vitro' and 'in vivo' studies, without requiring users to perform all necessary experiments. The model allows a user to identify numerous biological events associated with a pathogen's invasion of a host.For each biological event, at least one agent must be identified. The identity of an agent, assignment of attributes, state and actions vary. For example, agents could be described as a biological entity, a system, an organ, or a lipid. State could be defined as size or volume whereas an action lends itself to behaviors. The invention is not limited by the biological entities. The agent is embodied in the computer model and performs actions and interactions over an extended period of time, typically without continuous direct supervision or control. Assignments of hosts are equally variable.Market Significance:The ability to predict what happens in an host when infected by a pathogen or toxic material within a 'time-window' has not been modeled until now. Current computational models only explore and reveal the social effect of pathogens on a human population. Although developed for biological simulation and prediction this model can be applied in numerous industries and provides a new approach to clinical intervention and treatment of disease.- Provides researchers a better understanding of the effects a pathogen has on humans and animals.- Assigns a time window which may assist emergency responders and medical practitioner in saving lives.- Provides "virtual victims" to assess the impact of lethal pathogens in a population with varying susceptibilities.
GMU Inventor Information:
Dr. Kenneth De Jong: http://eagle.gmu.edu/faculty_experts/?id=90; http://researchfocus.gmu.edu/node/541