Intelligence Value
The TEI-REX program aims to establish novel approaches for evaluation of individuals or organisms exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation or biodosimetry. This will be accomplished through analysis of samples collected minimally or non-invasively, to include hair, skin, sweat, and saliva. These approaches will enable improved characterization and quantification of the exposure event and environment.
Summary
The TEI-REX program aims to enable methods for non-invasive, lower-dose evaluation of biological materials (i.e. low-dose biodosimetry). Current biodosimetry approaches suffer from a number of constraints, such as the need for invasive and/or serially collected samples, a dependence on transient markers, a focus on high-dose and high-throughput triage, and limited effective sample collection windows. The TEI-REX program will target research into robust and quantifiable biomarkers to overcome these limitations.
The TEI-REX program is anticipated to begin in Q3 FY22 and will be a 3.5- year effort investigating non-transient biomarkers that inform towards assessment of ionizing radiation exposure. Signatures detectable within 25 days and greater than 90 days post-exposure are expected to be identified.The program will initially focus on robust biomarkers associated with higher dose exposures while driving research towards lower-dose marker discovery. At the end of the program, viable biomarkers and biodosimetry models are expected to exhibit a high degree of precision and accuracy when tested against partner-informed real-world simulants and samples. TEI-REX capabilities will enhance IC and U.S. Government ability to investigate exposure events, enable counter proliferation efforts, and ensure compliance with established dosimetry protocols.
Proposers' Day Information:
TEI-REX Proposers' Day Briefing