Biodefense and Infectious Disease

As a leading provider of infectious disease contract research services, our Molecular and Microbiology Division offers a wide range of studies for the development of new vaccines or medical countermeasures (MCMs) including the evaluating the immunogenicity, efficacy, potency, and safety of vaccines, antitoxins and therapeutics. IITRI has extensive experience in the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19, monkeypox (MPX), Zika virus, influenza, antibiotic resistant bacteria (i.e., superbugs) and fungi (Candida sp.) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which continue to pose a threat to public health both in the US and abroad. We are also highly experienced in handling bacterial or viral infectious agents that are potential bioterrorism agents when aerosolized, such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague), in animal challenge studies.

Containment Facilities

Our laboratory and vivarium space includes Biosafety Level 2 and 3+ facilities, fully functional with the latest equipment to conduct pathogenic agent studies. We are registered with the CDC and USDA for possession and use of select agents and toxins. Our BSL-3 lab houses our bioaerosol generation and aerosol exposure system for inhalation delivery of pathogens or anti-infective treatments for viral or bacterial aerosol challenge studies and therapeutic efficacy studies for antibiotics or antivirals.

Supporting Laboratories

• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Clinical Pathology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Immunology and Virology

Animal Models

We offer an extensive collection of infectious disease animal models including influenza ferret models, NHP models for monkeypox or plague, and hamster/mouse models for SARS-CoV-2, that are available for efficacy testing of therapeutic antibiotics or antivirals, vaccines, small molecules and biologics. IITRI also offers complete GLP-compliant preclinical vaccine toxicology programs and Animal Rule studies. We are one of the very few labs in the US that offers GLP-compliant BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities for infectious disease preclinical studies using select agents.

Click to learn more about selected IITRI animal models: