DARPA PREPARE project

Introduction

 

This article introduces DARPA PREPARE project.

 

 

PREPARE project

 

PREPARE is the abbreviation of PReemptive Expression of Protective Alleles and Response Elements (PREPARE).

 

 

Background

 

Pathogens with pandemic potential, toxic chemicals, and radioactive materials all endanger public health and pose a threat to national security.

PREPARE aims to the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs).

 

There were drawbacks to the existing MCMs.

• Limited applicability
• Insufficient efficacy
• Requirements for repeat dosing
• Lengthy and complex manufacturing processes
• Logistically burdensome storage requirements

 

Goal

 

1. Develop novel MCMs that can quickly activate and modulate these genes to boost protection - without altering the underlying genetic code.

 

2. The programmable, gene-modulating MCMs DARPA envisions are intended to provide timely and robust against major threats.

 

3. Research teams will seek to demonstrate proof of concept addressing the threats.

 

Research application

 

• Genome editing
• In vivo delivery
• Safe, programmable, and transient treatments

* Precisely tune the activity of protective genes

 

To do

• Identify and validate protective genes
• Develop novel MCMs capable of specific and multiplexable control of endogenous protective gene
• Create methods to enable tissue-specific, in vivo delivery of programmable MCMs
• Generate programmable, gene-modulating MCMs with a path towards clinical translation