A Breakthrough in CWD Testing

BREAKING: Dream Genomics, Inc. has found the first ever bioprofile in the blood of live deer, detecting Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). 

Kind of a big deal: The discovery is living proof that early diagnostics for CWD is possible with the “unique signature of more than 300 genes.”

What is CWD? It’s a fatal disease for deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Natural proteins in the animal’s body misfold, fail to metabolize, and accumulate. This causes a buildup of proteins in the brain, which disrupts the nervous system and causes sick animals to lose weight and become uncoordinated and listless—before eventually dying.

Originally discovered in the 1960s in Colorado and in wild populations in 1981, CWD has no vaccine or treatment to date.

A dream come true: “Dream Genomics’ proven advancements in gene expression profiling are being applied to discover, develop, and produce a blood test for CWD, which preserves the life of the animal being tested.” — Dr. Pusateri

Not proactive, only reactive: When CWD was detected in the past, entire herds would be exterminated in captive settings, while a great number were culled in free range. Diagnostic testing was usually postmortem.

Dr. Pusateri said the research was based on 14 years of human genomics bioprofiling, which focused on a quick turnaround of 24 hours and a test that takes less than an hour.

Background: Dream Genomics, Inc. was founded just a year ago in September 2023, with a goal of protecting wildlife populations and ensuring public health through its work combating CWD. The company is looking for equity partners and major grants.